The association of dietary alpha-linolenic acid with blood pressure and subclinical atherosclerosis in people born small for gestational age: the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether dietary alpha-linolenic (omega-3) fatty acid intake is associated with lower blood pressure and aortic intima-media thickness (IMT) in people born small for gestational age (SGA).

STUDY DESIGN:

Participants were recruited at age 6 months and followed up every 6-12 months until age 19 years. Blood pressure and food records were assessed at each visit. A total of 1009 participants had at least one blood pressure measure and complete birth weight and gestational age data, including 115 (11%) born SGA (birth weight≤10th percentile). Aortic IMT was assessed by ultrasound at 19 years (n=413). Analysis was by linear mixed models and multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS:

Children born SGA had greater systolic and pulse pressure from age 14 years onwards. In those born SGA, systolic blood pressure was 2.1 mm Hg lower ([95% CI 0.8-3.3]; P=.001) and pulse pressure 1.4 mm Hg lower ([95% CI 0.3-2.4]; P=.01), per exponential increase in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) intake; weakened by adjustment for anthropometric measures. Long-term ALA intake was inversely associated with aortic IMT at 19 years in those born SGA (-0.30 mm [95% CI -0.52, -0.08] per exponential greater ALA intake; P=.008), independent of other dietary and anthropometric factors.

CONCLUSION:

Long-term dietary ALA intake during childhood is associated with improved vascular health in people born SGA.

• Authors: Michael R Skilton, Katja Pahkala, Jorma S A Viikari, Tapani Rönnemaa, Olli Simell, Antti Jula, Harri Niinikoski, David S Celermajer, Olli T Raitakari
• Journal: The Journal of pediatrics (J Pediatr) Vol. 166 Issue 5 Pg. 1252-1257.e2 (May 2015) ISSN: 1097-6833 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25702059 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• alpha-Linolenic Acid

Topics

• Adolescent
• Aorta (pathology)
• Atherosclerosis (blood)
• Birth Weight
• Blood Pressure
• Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Diet
• Female
• Finland
• Gestational Age
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Small for Gestational Age
• Male
• Multivariate Analysis
• Risk Factors
• alpha-Linolenic Acid (administration & dosage)