Flaxseed ALA Converts to Heart- Healthy Omega-3s in the Body

Flaxseed ALA Converts to Heart- Healthy Omega-3s in the Body

ATLANTAFlaxseed oil intakeincreased the plasma concentrations of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (EFAs)in blacks with chronic illness, according to Emory University researchers. In arandomized, double blind trial, 56 participants received 3 g/d ofalpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from flaxseed oil capsules or a placebo of olive oilcapsules. ALA is a short-chain omega-3 EFA that can be converted by thebody into longer-chain EFAs that have been associated with a reduced risk ofcardiovascular disease (CVD). After 12 weeks of supplementation, plasma levelsof the long-chain EFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) increased by 60 percent and 25 percent, respectively, in the flaxseed oilgroup. There were no changes in EPA or DHA plasma levels in the controlparticipants. According to the researchers, the findings demonstrate theefficacy of the bodys conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA, and suggest flaxseedoil could be an alternative to fish oil for delivering heart-healthy omega-3EFAs, though additional clinical trials are warranted. The study was publishedin the Journal of Nutrition (136:83-7,2006) (www.nutrition.org).