Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on serum lipids and high sensitivity C reactive protein in cigarette smokers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on lipid metabolism and low-grade inflammation in cigarette smokers. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 59 male cigarette subjects were randomly assigned to consume 3 g omega-3 fatty acids or com oil/day for 8 weeks while continuing to consume their usual diet. High sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) was determined by ELISA. Fifty-one subjects completed the study. Neither omega-3 fatty acids nor com oil supplementation had a significant effect on triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol or total cholesterol concentrations. After adjustment for baseline values, fasting LDL-cholesterol concentrations increased 16.7% with omega-3 fatty acids supplementation (p<0.05) in comparison with the change in the com oil group. The intervention caused no significant changes serum hs-CRP concentrations. In conclusion a daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids increases LDL-cholesterol by 8% in cigarette smokers and had not effects on serum triglyceride and hs-CRP concentrations. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.