International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research (IJVNR) is published by IMR Press from Volume 95 Issue 1 (2025). Previous articles were published by another publisher under a hybrid publishing model, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with Hogrefe.
The Effects of Low Dose n-3 Fatty Acids on Serum Lipid Profiles and Insulin Resistance of the Elderly: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
1 Associate Professor of Cardiology, Dr Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 Researcher, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Master of Nutrition, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 MD MPH of Gerontology, Director of Research and Education Affairs, Kahrizak Charity Foundation, Tehran, Iran
5 Bachelor of Nursing, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
6 Associate Professor of Geriatrics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
7 Professor of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: N-3 fatty acids have several beneficial effects on dyslipidemia and diabetes, conditions which are prevalent in the elderly. This study assessed the effects of low-dose n-3 fatty acids on serum lipid profile, lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein B, fasting glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance in a group of elderly Iranians. Materials and Methods: A 6-month randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 124 elderly residents of Kahrizak Charity Foundation aged ≥ 65. The intervention group was supplemented with 1 g/day fish oil capsule (with 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA; and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid, DHA; a total of 300 mg n-3 fatty acids as effective constituents). Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after 6 months of the trial. Results: There were no significant effects of fish oil on the studied variables in the intervention group. In the placebo group, serum triglyceride significantly increased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.009, respectively). By repeated measurement analysis after adjustments, the overall decrease in serum triglycerides compared with placebo was significant (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Supplementation with low dose n-3 fatty acids for 6 months could significantly protect elderly Iranians from a rise in serum triglycerides.
Keywords
- n-3 fatty acids
- triglycerides
- apolipoproteins
- insulin resistance
- aged
