Increased a-linolenic acid intake lowers C-reactive protein, but has no effect on markers of atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE:: To investigate the effects of increased alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)-intake on intima-media thickness (IMT), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) antibodies, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukins 6 and 10. DESIGN:: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. SUBJECTS:: Moderately hypercholesterolaemic men and women (55±10?y) with two other cardiovascular risk factors (n=103). INTERVENTION:: Participants were assigned to a margarine enriched with ALA (fatty acid composition 46% LA, 15% ALA) or linoleic acid (LA) (58% LA, 0.3% ALA) for 2?y. RESULTS:: Dietary ALA intake was 2.3?en% among ALA users, and 0.4?en% among LA users. The 2-y progression rate of the mean carotid IMT (ALA and LA: +0.05?mm) and femoral IMT (ALA:+0.05?mm; LA:+0.04?mm) was similar, when adjusted for confounding variables. After 1 and 2?y, ALA users had a lower CRP level than LA users (net differences -0.53 and -0.56?mg/l, respectively, P<0.05). No significant effects were observed in oxidized LDL antibodies, and levels of sICAM-1, interleukins 6 and 10. CONCLUSIONS:: A six-fold increased ALA intake lowers CRP, when compared to a control diet high in LA. The present study found no effects on markers for atherosclerosis. SPONSORSHIP:: The Dutch ‘Praeventiefonds’.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004) 58, 1083-1089. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601938 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]