Clinical Overview of Algal-Docosahexaenoic Acid: Effects on Triglyceride Levels and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract

The cardiovascular benefits of fish-derived long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid are well established. Less studied are specific effects of individual long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Based on data from 16 published clinical trials, this review examines effects of DHA triglyceride (TG) oil derived from algae (algal-DHA) on serum TG levels and related parameters. Study populations included subjects with both normal and elevated TG levels including those with persistent hypertriglyceridemia treated with concomitant 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy. At doses of 1-2 g/d, algal-DHA significantly lowered plasma TG levels (up to 26%) either administered alone or in combination with statins. The reduction in TG levels was markedly greater in hypertriglyceridemic than in normal subjects. Algal-DHA modestly increased plasma levels of both high-density lipoprotein and lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol. The increased plasma level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with a shift of lipoprotein particle size toward larger, less atherogenic subfractions. In some subjects, blood pressure and heart rate were significantly reduced. Algal-DHA was safe and well tolerated. Unlike fish oil, algal-DHA seldom caused gastrointestinal complaints such as fishy taste and eructation, attributes of importance for patient compliance in high-dose therapy. Regression analysis that showed a linear relationship between baseline TG and magnitude of TG reduction suggests that a study of patients with very high TG levels (.500 mg/dL) is warranted. Future pharmacologic therapies for treating hypertriglyceridemia may include algal-DHA.

Docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) in the regulation of colon cell growth and cell death: A review

“…Parenterally applied Omegaven improved intestinal recovery after ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat model 156 . In addition to fish oil, algal oil seems to be a better source of n-3 PUFAs especially in high-dose therapy, owing to gastrointestinal problems with of fish oil 157 . Nutritional formulas for improving immunity (immunonutrition) of patients with gastrointestinal cancer contain, apart from n-3 PUFAs, L-glutamine, L-arginine, and RNA.…”

Metabolic development in the liver and the implications of the n-3 fatty acid supply

“…Early studies showed that the activity and expression of hepatic mitochondrial and peroxisomal enzymes of fatty acid oxidation are low in the fetus and increase rapidly after birth, consistent with the onset of feeding with the high-fat milk diet (27,44). The n-6 and n-3 fatty acids contribute to regulation of fatty acid synthesis and oxidation in adult liver, with the n-3 fatty acids having unique effects that suppress hepatic triglyceride synthesis and secretion (22,37,39,40,50). However, much of the recent interest in fatty acid nutrition during early development has focused on the role of the n-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) in the brain and retina (16,18,29).…”

¿Pueden los suplementos de omega 3 prevenir la toxicidad neurocognitiva de los tratamientos oncológicos?

“…− Se precisan dosis de 2-4 g en la prevención de la ECV 47,78 . − Son necesarias dosis de 0.5-2 g/día para obtener efectos beneficiosos sobre las arritmias 27,79 . − La antiagregación y la reducción de los TG, en especial de la hipertriglideridemia severa (> 500 mg/dl), requieren dosis elevadas de 3-4 g 27,71,80 .…”