Effect of a plant sterol, fish oil and B vitamin combination on cardiovascular risk factors in hypercholesterolemic children and adolescents: a pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundAssessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors can predict clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis in adulthood. In this pilot study with hypercholesterolemic children and adolescents, we investigated the effects of a combination of plant sterols, fish oil and B vitamins on the levels of four independent risk factors for CVD; LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerols, C-reactive protein and homocysteine.MethodsTwenty five participants (mean age 16 y, BMI 23 kg/m2) received daily for a period of 16 weeks an emulsified preparation comprising plant sterols esters (1300 mg), fish oil (providing 1000 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) and vitamins B12 (50 μg), B6 (2.5 mg), folic acid (800 μg) and coenzyme Q10 (3 mg). Atherogenic and inflammatory risk factors, plasma lipophilic vitamins, provitamins and fatty acids were measured at baseline, week 8 and 16.ResultsThe serum total cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, subfractions LDL-2, IDL-1, IDL-2 and plasma homocysteine levels were significantly reduced at the end of the intervention period (p<0.05). The triacylglycerols levels decreased by 17.6%, but did not reach significance. No significant changes in high sensitivity C-reactive protein, HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-1 were observed during the study period. After standardisation for LDL cholesterol, there were no significant changes in the levels of plasma γ-tocopherol, β-carotene and retinol, except for reduction in α-tocopherol levels. The plasma levels of n-3 fatty acids increased significantly with the dietary supplementation (p<0.05).ConclusionsDaily intake of a combination of plant sterols, fish oil and B vitamins may modulate the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic children and adolescents.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN89549017

Nutraceuticals and dyslipidaemia: Beyond the common therapeutics

“…These results are very important because of the poor tools that physicians have when treating children diseases. Garaiova et al (2013) corroborate the evaluations of Guardamagna et al (2011) by outlining that the early administration of nutraceuticals in hypercholesterolaemic children could really improve their lipid levels.…”

“…As many studies (Casas-Agustench et al, 2012;Demonty et al, 2006;Garaiova et al, 2013;Gonç alves et al, 2006;Guardamagna et al, 2011;Maki et al, 2012;Pá rraga et al, 2011;Weingä rtner et al, 2009;Zhao et al, 2011) have already indicated, plant sterols are able to actively influence lipid profile. The mean LDL-cholesterol reduction after consumption of plant sterol-supplemented foods ranges from 5.9% to 10.4% (Casas-Agustench et al, 2012).…”

“…Many studies have evaluated the potential role of nutraceuticals in the prevention of dyslipidaemia both in animal models (Alshatwi et al, 2011;Chen et al, 2008;Dvir et al, 2009;Huang & Lin, 2012a, 2012b and in humans (Becker et al, 2009;CasasAgustench et al, 2012;Demonty et al, 2006;Dulin et al, 2006;Garaiova et al, 2013;Gonç alves et al, 2006;Guardamagna et al, 2011;Izzo et al, 2010;Maki et al, 2012;Marazzi et al, 2011;Pá rraga et al, 2011;Qin et al, 2009;Rayman et al, 2011;Sirtori et al, 2009;Tomé -Carneiro et al, 2012;Weingä rtner, Bö hm, & Laufs, 2009;Wofford et al, 2012;Wong et al, 2010;Zhao et al, 2011).…”

Influence of oak wood polyphenols on cysteine, homocysteine and glutathione total levels and PON1 activities in human adult volunteers – a pilot study

“…Samples for analyzing of thiols (Cys, HCy and GSH) concentration in plasma by HPLC system were pre-treated according to Garaiova et al (2013). A mixture of 100 µl of plasma, 50 µl internal standards and 40 µl sodium borohydride was incubated for 30 minutes at 50°C to reduce and release protein-bound thiols, after which 100 µl perchloric acid was added to deproteination.…”

In Vitro Investigation of D- and Lenantiomer Synergistic Efects of Some Amino Acids

“…Obtained serum was storaged at -80 °C until the analysis. Serum samples were pre-treated according to GARAIOVA et al (2013). Shortly, 40 µL of sodium borohydride (1 mol/L in 0.1 mol/L NaOH) was added to 100 μL of the serum, mixed and incubated at 50 °C for 30 min.…”