The ALA, DHA and EPA Esters in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Summary

Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (EFAs) have a significant impact on human health, even before birth. Their supplementation is recommended at all ages, especially in people with cardiolovascular risks. The most valuable proven action of EFAs is the improvement of the lipid profile (including increase in HDL, the so-called "good cholesterol" and lowering LDL, the so-called "bad cholesterol"), preventing the development of atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks.

We distinguish three fractions of EFAs: EPA, DHA and ALA. The best known are EPA and DHA, but in recent years the interest in ALA fraction has increased, as it is the only fraction that has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, but also only ALA is not produced by the human body and must be supplied with food.

We believe that the supplementation of the ALA fraction is as important as the supplementation of the well-known and recommended EPA and DHA fractions, moreover it also brings unique benefits. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the benefits of EFAs in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the group of adults. In the project, we also want to compare the benefits of supplementing various fractions.

Each volunteer will be randomly assigned to one of 4 groups. Group No. 1 will be a group without the supplementation of essential fatty acids (EFAs), group No. 2 will receive supplementation with pure ALA fraction, group No. 3 will receive supplementation with EPA and DHA fractions, and group No. 4 will receive supplementation with all fractions, i.e. ALA, EPA and DHA. All persons from groups 1-4 will be examined three times: at the beginning, after three months and after six months (at the end of the project). The tests will include: blood pressure measurements, non-invasive measurements of body mass and composition, and laboratory tests: CRP, fasting glucose, lipid profile, and blood count.

Both preparations for acid supplementation and tests are completely free for participants.

Participation in the study is voluntary and is not associated with any health risk.

Conditions

• Fatty Acids
• Alpha-Linolenic Acid
• Docosahexaenoic Acids
• Eicosapentaenoic Acid
• Preventive Health Services
• Preventive Medicine
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Interventions

DRUG

Fatty Acids, Unsaturated

All participants from Experimental Groups will receive supplementation of different fractions of EFAs esters for six months daily. Control Group will be monitored with the same tests, but will not receive any supplementation.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Diagnostic Tests

All participants will have laboratory tests marking: CRP, fasting glucose, lipid profile, total blood count, and additional tests, which will include blood pressure measurements and measurements of body mass and composition on a specialized body composition analyzer (InBody 270). All the mentioned tests will be performed at the time of joining the research program, after 3 months (in the middle of the research program) and after 6 months (at the end of the research program).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Wroclaw Medical University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Maria M Bujnowska-Fedak, MD, PhD · Departament of Family Medicine at Wroclaw Medical University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-12-09

Primary Completion

2021-12-31

Completion

2022-06-30

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations