Serum α-linolenic acid, not intake, associates with reduced arterial stiffness assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity: an exploratory post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Our previous study showed that α-linolenic acid (ALA) intake was associated with a reduction in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in healthy middle-aged Japanese women. However, it remains unclear whether this effect depends on the ingested ALA itself or its metabolites. This study aimed to clarify two points: first, whether there is a relationship between ALA intake and serum n-3 fatty acid concentrations; and second, whether ALA intake or serum concentrations of n-3/n-6 fatty acids are related to the previously reported effect of ALA on maintaining vascular flexibility.
METHODS: We conducted a post hoc analysis of a previously reported randomized controlled trial. Correlation analyses assessed the relationships between ALA intake and serum n-3 fatty acids. Associations of baPWV with n-3/n-6 fatty acid intake and serum concentrations were tested using an analysis of covariance-type linear model.
RESULTS: No significant correlation was found between ALA intake and serum n-3 fatty acid concentrations. Serum ALA correlated positively with serum docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (p < 0.001, r = 0.444), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (p = 0.006, r = 0.292), and the sum of serum eicosapentaenoic acid, DPA, and DHA (p = 0.009, r = 0.275). ALA intake was not associated with baPWV, whereas serum ALA showed a significant negative association with baPWV (p = 0.027, regression coefficient: -2.45); serum arachidonic acid showed a significant positive association (p = 0.047,…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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