Linolenic Acid Intake Linked to Heart Health

Source: Tufts University
January 22, 2004

Linolenic acid, a type of essential fatty acid, has been linked to protection against cardiovascular disease. But researchers are still studying exactly how and why this fat may be protective. According to a new study, it could be related to the effect of linolenic acid on levels of blood triglycerides. The results are published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Measuring triglycerides

Researchers from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute studied 4,440 people (2,036 men and 2,404 women) aged 25-93 to determine if there was an association between the subjects' intakes of linolenic acid and their triglyceride levels (triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood; high levels of triglycerides, like high levels of cholesterol, are a risk factor for heart disease).

The study participants filled out detailed food history questionnaires and provided blood samples. In doing their statistical analyses, the researchers corrected for other factors besides linolenic acid intake that could affect triglyceride levels, including age, risk for coronary artery disease, body mass index, physical activity level, and other dietary factors, including fat, calorie, and alcohol intake.

High linolenic acid intake is associated with lower triglycerides

High consumption of linolenic acid was associated with lower triglyceride levels. The men and women with the highest intakes of linolenic acid had 26% and 14.6% lower triglyceride levels, respectively, than did the men and women with the lowest intakes.

While exactly how dietary linolenic acid lowers triglycerides remains unknown, including good sources of this fatty acid as part of a generally healthful diet seems like a good idea. Soy oil, nuts, seeds, and salad dressings made from nut oils and margarines are all good sources. Substituting these types of fats, as well as fish and fish oils, for saturated fats in your diet is a good step toward protecting against heart disease, according to experts. Keep in mind that all fats have roughly the same number of calories, however, so if you're watching your weight (which is also important for heart health) be sure to balance the calories you eat with adequate physical activity.

Source

• Dietary linolenic acid is inversely associated with plasma triacylglycerol: the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study. L. Djousse, SC. Hunt, DK. Arnett,  et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2003, vol. 78, pp. 1098--1102

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