In:
British Journal of Nutrition, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 129, No. 4 ( 2023-02-28), p. 670-677
Abstract:
n -3 index, the erythrocyte proportion of the EPA + DHA fatty acids is a clinical marker of age-related disease risk. It is unclear whether regular intake of α -linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-derived n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, raises n -3 index in older adults. Of the 356 participants at the Loma Linda, CA centre from the original study, a randomly selected subset ( n 192) was included for this secondary analysis (mostly Caucasian women, mean age 69 years). Participants were assigned to either the walnut (15 % of daily energy from walnuts) or the control group (usual diet, no walnuts) for 2 years. Erythrocyte fatty acids were determined at baseline and 1-year following intervention. No differences were observed for erythrocyte EPA, but erythrocyte DHA decreased albeit modestly in the walnut group (–0·125 %) and slightly improved in the control group (0·17 %). The change in n -3 index between the walnut and control groups was significantly different only among fish consumers (those who ate fish ≥ once/month). Longitudinal analyses combining both groups showed significant inverse association between the 1-year changes of the n -3 index and fasting plasma TAG ( ß = −10), total cholesterol ( ß = −5·59) and plasma glucose ( ß = −0·27). Consuming ALA-rich walnuts failed to improve n -3 index in elders. A direct source of EPA/DHA may be needed to achieve desirable n -3 index, as it is inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk. Nevertheless, incorporating walnuts as part of heart healthy diets is still encouraged.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0007-1145
,
1475-2662
DOI:
10.1017/S0007114522001751
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2016047-1
SSG:
12
SSG:
21
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