[Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and milk substitutes].
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Dietary Fats↗
Biomedical subjects
J Dyerberg
Publications and source records attributed to J Dyerberg.
The influence of trans fatty acids on health: a report from the Danish Nutrition Council.
Trans fatty acids constitute 0-30% of the fat in Danish margarines, most in industry and bakery margarines and usually less in table margarine. The trans fatty acids make margarines more solid at room temperature and therefore provide an economical storage advantage. In British and U.S. reports from 1984-1989, the trans fatty acids were more or less acquitted of unhealthy effects. During the last 5-6 years, however, a series of new studies has been published regarding both the connection between the consumption of trans fatty acids and the occurrence of coronary heart disease and the impact on the lipoprotein level in plasma. Studies suggest that the consumption of trans fatty acids from margarine is equally, or perhaps more, responsible for the development of arteriosclerosis than saturated fatty acids. In addition, it is now clear that both the fetus and the breast-fed baby are exposed to trans fatty acids in relation to the mother's consumption. A couple of recent studies suggest a possible restrictive influence of the trans fatty acids on the weight of the fetus. The average consumption of trans fatty acids from margarine in Denmark in 1991 was approximately 2.5 g/day per person. For about 150,000 adult Danes, the consumption is assumed to be more than 5 g/day per person. On this basis, the Danish Nutrition Council recommend that the consumption of trans fatty acids is reduced as much as possible. This can be done by reducing the fat content in food and by reducing the trans fatty acid content in all Danish margarine products to 5% or less. Thereafter, the group of adult Danes, including pregnant and breast-feeding women, with a large consumption of margarine and margarine-containing products, will on average only consume 2 g of vegetable trans fatty acids/day. This corresponds to the consumption in the low-risk groups in the above-mentioned epidemiological studies. In addition, the Danish Nutrition Council encourage the producers of margarines to make products that can be marketed as 'free of trans fatty acids'.
Adult↗
The effect of n-3 fatty acids on neutrophil chemiluminescence.
The effect of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the production of free oxygen radicals from activated neutrophils was investigated in healthy subjects, using chemiluminescence. In the first study 22 persons were give 4 g n-3 PUFAs daily for 6 weeks. There was a median reduction of chemiluminescence from neutrophils stimulated with opsonized zymosan of 37% (p < 0.001). The median content of eicosapentaenoic acid in platelets, used as an indicator for cellular fatty acid profile, increased from 0.70 to 2.80% (p < 0.001), and there was a significant negative correlation between the chemiluminescence signal and the content of eicosapentaenoic acid in platelets (p < 0.001). In a second, low-dose study 24 persons were allocated to daily supplementation with either 0.65 g n-3 PUFAs or with a control oil for 6 weeks. Compared to the control group there was a median reduction of 38 and 44% in chemiluminescence from neutrophils stimulated with opsonized zymosan and phorbol,12-myristate,13-acetate (PMA), respectively. Neither of these differences, however, was statistically significant. These findings lend support for a possible role of n-3 PUFAs in the management of inflammatory disorders.
Adult↗
[The effect on health of dietary antioxidants and antioxidant supplements].
Reactive free oxygen radicals are formed in the reactions involved in normal cell metabolism. This formation is closely regulated e.g. by dietary antioxidants. Present knowledge suggests that an imbalance, with surplus of free radicals, can play a role in the pathogenesis of certain types of cancer, atherosclerosis, and cataract. A number of epidemiological studies have demonstrated a reduced risk of developing these diseases in persons who consume a diet with a high content of vegetables and fruit, which contains large quantities of the antioxidants: beta-carotene, vitamins C and E. Intervention studies, using supplements of these antioxidants, have so far not been able to show a beneficial effect. The apparently protective effect of fruit and vegetables may be due to other active ingredients. In Denmark the average intake of vegetables and fruit is low, and it is estimated that an increased consumption of these foods could reduce the occurrence of certain cancer types and atherosclerosis. In contrast, there is no evidence that antioxidant supplements would provide protection against disease, and their safety remains to be established.
Antioxidants↗
[Significance of trans-fatty acids for health].
Trans fatty acids make up 0-30% of the fatty acids in Danish margarines. The intake of trans fatty acids from margarine in Denmark was in 1991 on average about 2.5 gram/person/day, and for about 150,000 Danes more than 5 gram/person/day. Several recent case-control studies and a large cohort study as well as clinical ward studies suggest that the intake of trans fatty acids enhances atherogenesis to the same extent or possibly even more than saturated fatty acids. In addition a few studies suggest that the intake of trans fatty acids by the pregnant mother impairs growth of the human foetus. On this background it seems reasonable to reduce the intake of trans fatty acids as much as possible. This could be implemented by a reduction in the fat content of the diet together with a reduction of trans fatty acid content to less than 5% in all margarines. This would ensure that Danes--including pregnant and nursing women--with a high intake of margarine on average consume less than 2 gram of trans fatty acids of vegetables origin per day. This amount corresponds to intake in low risk groups in several studies.
Denmark↗
[Fish oils and rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized and double-blind study].
The effect of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on disease variables in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis was evaluated in a multicentre, randomized and double blind study. Fifty-one patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were included from three Danish hospital Departments of Rheumatology. The patients were allocated to 12 weeks of treatment with either six n-3 PUFA capsules (3.6 g) or six capsules with a fat composition averaging the Danish diet. Small but significant improvements in morning stiffness, joint tenderness and C-reactive protein were observed. There were no serious side-effects. Dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis has a modest effect on three out of eight disease variables, without effect on other traditional parameters for monitoring disease activity.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
The acute effects of a single very high dose of n-3 fatty acids on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in healthy subjects.
Forty healthy volunteers were allocated in a double blind, randomized study to receive either 20 g of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or 20 g of n-6 PUFA at their evening meal. The effect on plasma lipids and lipoproteins of this single dose of fish oil vs. corn oil was studied the next morning, 14 h after ingestion. Plasma triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol significantly decreased (33%) after n-3 PUFA (P < 0.001), and significantly (P < 0.01) more than after intake of n-6 PUFA. The decrease in plasma triglycerides after n-3 PUFA ingestion was more pronounced in subjects with higher baseline levels of triglycerides (P < 0.001). Total cholesterol decreased after both supplements, but did not differ between the supplements. Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol did not change, and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol significantly decreased in subjects given n-3 PUFA compared to baseline, but not when compared to subjects receiving n-6 PUFA. In conclusion, we have shown that a single very high dose of n-3 PUFA has a pronounced hypotriglyceridemic effect, which is directly related to the initial plasma level.
Adult↗
The epidemiology of omega 3 fatty acids.
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Chicago↗
Omega-3 fatty acids. Current status in cardiovascular medicine.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduce fasting and postprandial triglycerides, decrease platelet and leucocyte reactivity, and may slightly decrease blood pressure. Omega-3 PUFA may also beneficially influence vessel wall characteristics and blood rheology. Furthermore, these compounds have been shown to inhibit ventricular tachyarrhythmias in animals. Omega-3 PUFA may impair fibrinolysis and could lead to increased oxidation of lipoproteins. Potential adverse effects must not be neglected, but should be viewed in light of the beneficial effects of these agents. Clinical studies investigating the effects of dietary omega-3 PUFA in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are beginning to emerge. The results have offered some promise, but further studies are needed to define the role of these agents in CVD. Long term trials and studies using omega-3 PUFA as adjuvants to conventional therapy in patients with coronary artery disease, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension may be of particular interest.
Animals↗
The acute effect of a single very high dose of N-3 fatty acids on coagulation and fibrinolysis.
The objective of the study was to investigate the acute effect of a single very high dose of n-3 PUFA on coagulation and fibrinolysis. Forty healthy volunteers were randomized into two groups to receive either 20 grams of n-3 PUFA or 20 grams of n-6 PUFA as a single dose at 6 p.m. with their evening meal. Coagulation and fibrinolysis were evaluated in the fasting state at 8 a.m. the next morning and compared to values obtained at 8 a.m. the day before, when the participants were on their habitual diets. PAI-1 activity in plasma increased by a mean of 62% in subjects randomized to receive n-3 PUFA despite that no changes could be demonstrated in t-PA antigen levels. PAI-1 activity was unaltered in the 20 controls receiving n-6 PUFA. Plasma fibrinogen, coagulation factor VII, thrombin-antithrombin complexes and D-dimer did not significantly change after either supplement. The substantial increase in levels of PAI-1 activity in plasma after a single very high dose of n-3 PUFA may limit the usefulness of single very high doses of n-3 PUFA in acute clinical conditions.
Adult↗
[Should we eat fish oil?].
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Dietary Fats↗
Differences in apolipoprotein (a) polymorphism in west Greenland Eskimos and Caucasian Danes.
Previous studies in Greenland suggest that death rates from ischemic heart disease [IHD] are lower in Eskimos than in Danes and other Caucasian populations. This has been explained by a high intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with beneficial effects on blood lipids and hemostasis. In other populations, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with IHD, plasma concentrations of Lp(a) being genetically determined to a major extent. We have compared Lp(a) concentrations and apo(a) phenotypes in 120 Greenlandic Eskimos with those in 466 Danish men. The median Lp(a) concentration in Eskimos (8.7 mg/dl;[95% CI 6.5-10.7]) was not significantly different from that in Danes (6.3 mg/dl; [95% CI 5.2-7.0]), whereas the 90th percentile was significantly higher among Danes: 46.36 mg/dl; [95% CI 43.0-54.3] vs. 27.6 mg/dl [95% CI 20.7-36.9]. In 20% of the Danes, but in only 8% of the Eskimos (P = 0.009), the concentration of Lp(a) exceeded 30 mg/dl. The difference is probably explained by a low frequency of the low molecular weight apo(a) phenotypes among Eskimos, since the apo(a) isoforms F and B were absent, and the S1 and S2 types were present in only 3.3% of Eskimos. In contrast, these apo(a) isoforms were present in 26.6% of the Danes in either single-band or double-band phenotypes. The pattern of apo(a) polymorphism found in this study could provide part of a genetic explanation for the putative low rates of IHD in Eskimo populations.
Adult↗
Decreased interleukin-1 beta levels in plasma from rheumatoid arthritis patients after dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The effects of dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids on the level of cytokines and complement activation in plasma from patients with rheumatoid arthritis were examined. Thirty-two patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were included in a 12-week double-blind, randomized study of dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids (3.6 g per day) or placebo. The cytokines were measured in plasma before and after treatment with fish oil or placebo. In general, cytokine values at the upper limits of the calculated normal areas were found. The Interleukin-1 beta concentration in plasma was reduced significantly after 12 weeks of dietary supplementation with fish oil (p < 0.03). No significant difference was observed in the placebo group. The tumour necrosis factor alpha activity in plasma did not change significantly (p = 0.167). No significant changes were observed in the degree of complement activation. The clinical status of the patients was improved in the fish oil group, but not in the placebo group, judged by Ritchie's articular index (p < 0.02). We conclude that dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids results in significantly reduced plasma IL-1 beta levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Even though the cytokine levels were low, the anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 fatty acids could in part be explained by their ability to decrease cytokine production.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
Plasma lipoproteins and renal function during simvastatin treatment in diabetic nephropathy.
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of simvastatin on plasma lipoproteins and renal function in hypercholesterolaemic Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. Twenty-six hypercholesterolaemic (total cholesterol greater than or equal to 5.5 mmol/l) Type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy were enrolled in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study for 12 weeks. The active treatment group (n = 14) received simvastatin (10-20 mg/day) for 12 weeks while the remaining 12 patients received treatment with placebo. The results during simvastatin treatment (baseline vs 12 weeks): total cholesterol 6.6 vs 4.8 mmol/l (p less than 0.01), LDL-cholesterol 4.25 vs 2.57 mmol/l (p less than 0.01) and apolipoprotein B 1.37 vs 1.06 mmol/l (p less than 0.01). HDL-cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I remained unchanged. Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B remained unchanged during placebo treatment. Albuminuria measured during the simvastatin and the placebo treatment (baseline vs 12 weeks) (the data are logarithmically transformed before analysis because of their positively skewed transformation; geometric mean (x/divided by antilog SE) is indicated) was 458 (x/divided by 1.58) vs 393 (x/divided by 1.61) and 481 (x/divided by 1.62) vs 368 (x/divided by 1.78 micrograms/min (NS). Glomerular filtration rate during simvastatin and placebo treatment (baseline vs 12 weeks) was 64 vs 63 and 72 vs 74 ml.min-1.1.73 m-2, respectively. Two patients receiving simvastatin treatment were withdrawn, one due to gastrointestinal side effects and one due to myalgia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
The effects of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double blind trial.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on disease variables in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized, placebo controlled, double blind. SETTING: Three Danish hospital Departments of Rheumatology. PATIENTS: Fifty-one patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. INTERVENTION: Random allocation to 12 weeks of treatment with either six n-3 PUFA capsules (3.6 g) or six capsules with fat composition as the average Danish diet. MAIN RESULTS: Significant improvement of morning stiffness and joint tenderness. No significant effect on the four other assessed clinical parameters. No serious side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis improved two out of six patient reported disease parameters. Further studies are needed to clarify the more precise role of n-3 PUFA in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Adult↗
Plasma concentration levels of apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) in Greenland Inuit (Eskimos).
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Adult↗
n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation (Pikasol) in men with moderate and severe hypertriglyceridaemia: a dose-response study.
The effect of n-3 fatty acids in 11 men with hypertriglyceridaemia was investigated. The subjects were given daily supplements with three different doses of n-3 fatty acids for 8-week periods. The supplements given were 2, 4 and 9 g of n-3 fatty acids/day, respectively. Total cholesterol, triglycerides and the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol significantly decreased with all three doses in a dose-dependent way. HDL-cholesterol increased in a dose-dependent fashion, while apolipoproteins A1 and B were unaltered by the supplements apart from a small increase in apolipoprotein A1 after the lowest dose of n-3 fatty acids. The greatest effect was observed after 2 g of n-3 fatty acids/day.
Adult↗