Optimizing the Effect of ?-3 Fatty Acids on the Lipid Profile in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Abstract

Background: The metabolic syndrome is a clustering of metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risk factors. It is vital to start the lifestyle interventions and treatment early in patients with metabolic syndrome to prevent the twin global epidemics of type 2diabetes and CVD. Objective: to investigate the overall effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation In addition to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) nutritional intervention on the lipid profile in patients with metabolic syndrome and to study if the addition of DASH diet will alleviate the rise in LDL- C that occurs with ω-3 fatty acid supplementation. Research design and methods: This was a prospective interventional outpatient trial conducted on 42 patients with the metabolic syndrome. They received ω-3 fatty acid supplementation 1 g/d in addition to DASH nutritional education for 12 weeks: the DASH diet with increased consumption of fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains and lower in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol. The main outcome measures were the lipid profile of the patients with metabolic syndrome. Results: ω-3 fatty acid together with The DASH diet significantly changed the mean of all parameters of lipid profile in metabolic syndrome patients. After 12 weeks, there was a significant increase in HDL-C (14%), significant reductions in TG (37.7%), LDL (29.4%) and a significant reduction in Non HDL-C (24.7%). Conclusion: this study demonstrated that the DASH diet optimizes and complements the effect of ω-3 fatty acid on the lipid profile of patients with metabolic syndrome by alleviating the rise in LDL- C that occurs with omega supplementation.