Effect of fish oil versus corn oil supplementation on LDL and HDL subclasses in type 2 diabetic patients.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The increased risk of coronary heart disease associated with type 2 diabetes may be partially explained by dyslipidemia characterized by high plasma triacylglycerol (TAG), low HDL cholesterol, and a predominance of atherogenic small dense LDLs. Fish oil reduces plasma TAG and has previously been shown to improve the distribution of LDL subclasses in healthy subjects and might, therefore, be a good nonpharmacological treatment for type 2 diabetic patients. In the present study, we investigate the effect of fish oil supplementation on the fasting lipid profile, including LDL and HDL subclasses.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS:

A total of 42 type 2 diabetic patients were randomized to supplementation (capsules) with 4 g daily of either fish oil (n = 20) or corn oil (n = 22) for 8 weeks preceded by a 4-week run-in period of corn oil supplementation. Blood was drawn before and after the 8-week intervention period. Plasma lipoproteins, including LDL and HDL subclasses, were separated by ultracentrifugation.

RESULTS:

Fish oil lowered TAG (group difference: P = 0.025) and raised HDL-2b cholesterol (P = 0.012) and HDL-2a cholesterol (P = 0.007) concentrations as compared with corn oil. We observed no significant effects of fish oil on LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or the concentration of small dense LDL particles.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fish oil supplementation may partially correct the dyslipidemia of type 2 diabetic patients. However, the putative very important aspect of diabetic dyslipidemia-the predominance of small dense LDL particles-was unaffected by fish oil.

• Authors: Martin Petersen, Helle Pedersen, Atheline Major-Pedersen, Tonny Jensen, Peter Marckmann
• Journal: Diabetes care (Diabetes Care) Vol. 25 Issue 10 Pg. 1704-8 (Oct 2002) ISSN: 0149-5992 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12351465 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Fish Oils
• Lipoproteins, HDL
• Lipoproteins, LDL
• Triglycerides
• Corn Oil
• Cholesterol

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Cholesterol (blood)
• Corn Oil (administration & dosage, chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Coronary Disease (prevention & control)
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 (blood)
• Dietary Supplements
• Female
• Fish Oils (administration & dosage, chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Lipoproteins, HDL (blood, classification, drug effects)
• Lipoproteins, LDL (blood, classification, drug effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Triglycerides (blood)