Cited by 72Fatty Acid Research and HealthLipoproteins and Cardiovascular HealthLipid metabolism and disorders

Clinical overview of algal-docosahexaenoic acid: effects on triglyceride levels and other cardiovascular risk factors.

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Ryan, Alan S, Keske, Michelle A, Hoffman, James P, Nelson, Edward B·2009·American Journal of Therapeutics

Abstract

The cardiovascular benefits of fish-derived long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid are well established. Less studied are specific effects of individual long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Based on data from 16 published clinical trials, this review examines effects of DHA triglyceride (TG) oil derived from algae (algal-DHA) on serum TG levels and related parameters. Study populations included subjects with both normal and elevated TG levels including those with persistent hypertriglyceridemia treated with concomitant 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy. At doses of 1-2 g/d, algal-DHA significantly lowered plasma TG levels (up to 26%) either administered alone or in combination with statins. The reduction in TG levels was markedly greater in hypertriglyceridemic than in normal subjects. Algal-DHA modestly increased plasma levels of both high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The increased plasma level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with a shift of lipoprotein particle size toward larger, less atherogenic subfractions. In some subjects, blood pressure and heart rate were significantly reduced. Algal-DHA was safe and well tolerated. Unlike fish oil, algal-DHA seldom caused gastrointestinal complaints such as fishy taste and eructation, attributes of importance for patient compliance in high-dose therapy. Regression analysis that showed a linear relationship between baseline TG and magnitude of TG reduction suggests that a study of patients with very high TG levels (>500 mg/dL) is warranted. Future pharmacologic therapies for treating hypertriglyceridemia may include algal-DHA.

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Crossref · 10.1097/mjt.0b013e31817fe2be

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Authors
Ryan, A. S., Keske, M. A., Hoffman, J. P., & Nelson, E. B.
Affiliations
  • University of Tasmania (AU)
  • Columbia International University (US)
Corresponding author
Ryan, Alan S
Venue
American Journal of Therapeutics
Published
2009-03
Volume
16
Issue
2
Pages
183-192
ISSN
1075-2765 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2155636485
Cited by
72
References
59
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 8
FWCI
1.06
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • American Journal of Therapeutics (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Fatty Acid Research and Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Lipid metabolism and disorders
Keywords
triglyceride lowering, hypertriglyceridemia, statin combination therapy, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein particle size, blood pressure reduction, cardiovascular risk factors, safety and tolerability
MeSH terms
Cardiovascular Diseases, Clinical Trials as Topic, Docosahexaenoic Acids, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Drug Therapy, Combination, Humans, Risk Factors, Triglycerides, Hypertriglyceridemia, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Eukaryota

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