Researchers from the University of Bergen investigated the effects of Epax’s omega blend on total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, inflammatory prostaglandins, body weight, body fat percentage and fatty acid composition in immune cell membranes.
“Here we demonstrate for the first time that supplementation with a cetoleic acid (CA) concentrate decreased the LDL-cholesterol concentration in adults with overweight or obesity,” they wrote in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Fish oil’s hidden fatty acid could reduce LDL cholesterol
Research has consistently linked fish consumption with lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, traditionally attributing these benefits to the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. However, fish oils rich in EPA and DHA generally do not lower cholesterol unless consumed in very high doses. Fish fats also contain other fatty acids, including long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) such as CA.
Recent animal studies have shown that fish oils and concentrates high in CA reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels, and researchers suggest that CA may lower cholesterol by increasing bile acid excretion, reducing fat production in the liver and decreasing VLDL secretion.
Low-grade inflammation also contributes to obesity-related conditions such as insulin resistance and CVD. Fatty acids influence inflammation because they become incorporated into immune cell membranes, affecting signalling pathways and the production of inflammatory mediators. Studies have linked fish and fish oil consumption with lower levels of inflammatory markers. While scientists often credit EPA and DHA for these anti-inflammatory effects, the researchers of the new study suggested that CA may also reduce inflammatory markers and become incorporated into blood cells.
Cetoleic acid may cut heart disease risk by 15%
The researchers recruited 75 overweight and obese men and women (BMI>25) to participate in the eight-week trial.
They were randomized to receive a 4 g daily dose of either cetoleic acid concentrate derived from herring oil (CECO), or capsules containing soybean oil mixed with Omega-3 PUFAs from anchovy oil.
Both interventions had comparable levels of Omega-3, enabling the researchers to distinguish the effects of cetoleic acid concentrate from those of Omega-3.
Participants consumed 4 g of oil daily by taking two capsules before lunch and two after dinner. They were instructed to avoid fish, seafood, omega-3 supplements, and most dietary supplements during the study, while otherwise maintaining their normal diet and lifestyle.
At baseline and at eight weeks, participants attended visits where the researchers measured height, body weight and body fat percentage, and collected fasting blood samples. The blood samples were analyzed for cholesterol levels, prostaglandins and fatty acid composition in white blood cells. Participants also completed 5-day dietary records before each visit so researchers could estimate energy and macronutrient intake.
Results showed that after eight weeks, there was a statistically significant 7% decrease in LDL-cholesterol from baseline in participants taking the CECO supplement compared with the control group.
The researchers estimated that a 5–7% reduction in LDL-cholesterol could lower coronary heart disease risk by approximately 15%.
“The use of CECO supplementation may therefore be an enticing strategy to reduce the LDL-cholesterol concentration,” they wrote.
The CECO supplement likely reduced hepatic lipogenesis (cholesterol synthesis in the liver), the researchers noted. Furthermore, as CA and related fatty acids were incorporated into immune cell (leucocyte) membranes, the researchers noted it may potentially alter membrane properties and enzyme activity.
“Our clinical trial in healthy adults with overweight or obesity showed that supplementation with cetoleic acid concentrate reduced the LDL-cholesterol by 7% which is estimated to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by around 15%,” said Oddrun Anita Gudbrandsen, lead researcher and professor at the University of Bergen.
“By reducing LDL-cholesterol, Epax’s Omega-11 cetoleic concentrates have the potential to make a significant impact on cardiovascular health.”
The researchers noted that future research should investigate the effects of CA on the LDL-cholesterol concentration in populations with increased risk for developing metabolic health problems.
Source: The British Journal of Nutrition; doi: 10.1017/S0007114526107375; “Supplementation with a cetoleic acid concentrate decreased the serum LDL-cholesterol concentration in healthy adults with overweight or obesity. A randomised double-blind controlled clinical trial.” Authors: Hansen K. et al
