A new study involving hypertriglyceridemic men has found that the fish oil docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may decrease a specific blood cholesterol (called remnant-like particle-cholesterol (RLP-C) and increase the RBC omega-3 index, thereby improving cardiovascular health.

• Plasma remnant-like particle-cholesterol (RLP-C) and the RBC (n-3) index are novel risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Hypertriglyceridemic men aged 39–66 years, participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study.
• They received no supplements for 8 days and then received either 7.5 g/d DHA oil (3 g DHA/d) or olive oil (placebo) for the last 90 days.
• Fasting blood samples were collected on study days: 0 (baseline), 45 (mid-intervention), 84, and 91 (end-intervention).

Results

• decreased (P < 0.05) fasting RLP-C (36%)
• increased plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA):arachidonic acid (AA) (100%)
• improved the RBC (n-3) index (109%)

Continued supplementation with DHA between d 45 and 91 further increased the RBC (n-3) index (162%) and plasma EPA:AA (137%) compared with baseline values.

Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation decreases remnant-like particle-cholesterol and increases the (n-3) index in hypertriglyceridemic men," Kelley DS, Siegel D, et al, J Nutr, 2008; 138(1): 30-5.

Sphere Healhtcare is Australia's leading soft gel manufacturer with a special interest in fish oil supplements. Several combinations of fish oils are available for different indications and many different capsules sizes and shapes, enteric coating, and children-friendly flavours are also available.

Contact Sphere Healthcare customer service for further information.