IMPROVEMENT OF SERUM-LIPIDS AND BLOOD-PRESSURE DURING INTERVENTION WITH N-3 FATTY-ACIDS WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGES IN INSULIN LEVELS IN SUBJECTS WITH COMBINED HYPERLIPIDEMIA

Objectives. To investigate the effect of an omega-3 fatty acid concent rate K85 on serum lipids, lipoproteins, insulin metabolism and blood p ressure in subjects with combined hyperlipidaemia. Design. After a run -in dietary period of 10 weeks, subjects were randomly allocated to re ceive either encapsulated K85 (n = 28) or corn oil (n = 29). The inter vention was double-blind. Setting. An outpatient centre in Stavanger, Norway. Subjects. Fifty-seven of 141 individuals, who, after the run-i n period continued to meet the inclusion criteria: serum triglycerides of greater than or equal to 2.0 mmol L(-1) and total serum cholestero l of greater than or equal to 6.0 mmol L(-1). Intervention. Encapsulat ed K85, containing 85% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic aci d (DHA), or corn oil, both administered in a daily dose of 4 g for 12 weeks. Main outcome measures. Change in metabolic and haemodynamic par ameters related to intervention. Results. Serum EPA and DHA increased significantly in the K85 group during the treatment period. The body-m ass index remained unchanged. A 28% reduction in serum triglycerides w as noted in the K85 group from the first 4 weeks. Total serum choleste rol was significantly reduced with both regimens. Serum high-density l ipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly during the first 8 week s in the K85 group. Significant reductions in systolic and diastolic b lood pressures were noted in subjects on K85. The treatment did not af fect serum glucose, plasma insulin and proinsulin levels. Insulin:gluc ose and proinsulin:glucose ratios remained unchanged. Conclusions. The atherogenic risk profile was improved with K85 in subjects with combi ned hyperlipidaemia, but n-3 fatty acids supplementation did not affec t glucose/insulin homeostasis.