High-oleic rapeseed (canola) and flaxseed oils modulate serum lipids and inflammatory biomarkers in hypercholesterolaemic subjects

Abstract

Recently, novel dietary oils with modified fatty acid profiles have been manufactured to improve fatty acid intakes and reduce CVD risk. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of novel high-oleic rapeseed (canola) oil (HOCO), alone or blended with flaxseed oil (FXCO), on circulating lipids and inflammatory biomarkers v. a typical Western diet (WD). Using a randomised, controlled, crossover trial, thirty-six hypercholesterolaemic subjects consumed three isoenergetic diets for 28d each containing approximately 36% energy from fat, of which 70% was provided by HOCO, FXCO or WD. Dietary fat content of SFA, MUFA, PUFA n-6 and n-3 was 6, 23, 5, 1% energy for HOCO; 6, 16, 5, 75% energy for FXCO; 115, 16, 6, 05% energy for WD. After 28d, compared with WD, LDL-cholesterol was reduced 151% (P<0001) with FXCO and 74% (P<0001) with HOCO. Total cholesterol (TC) was reduced 11% (P<0001) with FXCO and 35% (P=0002) with HOCO compared with WD. Endpoint TC differed between FXCO and HOCO (P<005). FXCO consumption reduced HDL-cholesterol by 85% (P<0001) and LDL:HDL ratio by 75% (P=0008) v. WD. FXCO significantly decreased E-selectin concentration compared with WD (P=002). No differences were observed in inflammatory markers after the consumption of HOCO compared with WD. In conclusion, consumption of novel HOCO alone or when blended with flaxseed oil is cardioprotective through lipid-lowering effects. The incorporation of flaxseed oil may also target inflammation by reducing plasma E-selectin. © 2010 The Authors.