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Secondary data analysis investigating effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids on circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin in older adults

J. Rausch, S. Gillespie, T. Orchard, A. Tan, J. McDaniel

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 2021

18 participants · 5 citations

Abstract

Background: Higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels have been linked to progressing systemic inflammation and diseases of aging. Among older adults with obesity and an inflammatory conditions, we quantified effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on leptin, adiponectin, and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (LAR). We also examined associations among adipokine and cytokine levels. Methods: Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, participants (mean age 61.3 ± 2.1) received 1.5 g EPA + 1.0 g DHA (n = 14) or mineral oil (n = 18) daily. Plasma adipokine and cytokine levels were quantified by electrochemiluminescence at all study intervals. Results: While no between-group differences were detected, there was a reduction in the LAR (by 23%, p=.065) between weeks 4 and 8 among the EPA+DHA group. Adiponectin levels were negatively associated with IL-1β levels at week 4 (p=.02) and TNF-α levels at week 8 (p=.03). Conclusion: Potential benefits of EPA+DHA supplementation among aging populations warrant further study.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 18 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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