April 28/Lyon, France/Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- New investigation results, "Subgram Daily Supplementation with Docosahexaenoic Acid Protects Low-density Lipoproteins from Oxidation in Healthy Men," are detailed in a study published in Atherosclerosis. "To determine the effect of supplementation with increasing doses of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as the only n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) redox status and oxidizability. Twelve healthy men aged 53-65 years ingested consecutive doses of DHA (200, 400, 800 and 1600mg/day), each dose for two weeks," researchers in Lyon, France, report.

"The proportions of DHA increased dose-dependently in LDL phospholipids and cholesteryl esters, even after two weeks of supplementation with 200mg/day DHA. The daily intake of 200, 400 and 800mg DHA resulted in increased alpha-tocopherol concentrations, decreased MDA concentrations, and a longer lag time for copper-induced LDL oxidation. Supplementation with 1600mg/day DHA had no effect on the above parameters. In plasma, concentrations of 4-hydroxy-hexenal, specifically derived from the peroxidation of n-3 fatty acids, significantly increased after 800 and 1600mg DHA, representing 0.01% of plasma n-3 PUFAs, while 4-hydroxy-nonenal concentrations, derived from the peroxidation of n-6 fatty acids, did not change," wrote C. Calzada and colleagues.

The researchers concluded, "Our results clearly show that an intake of 200-800mg/day DHA may have protective and antioxidant effects on LDL and could represent optimal doses for cardiovascular disease prevention in a healthy population."

Calzada and colleagues published their study in Atherosclerosis ("Subgram Daily Supplementation with Docosahexaenoic Acid Protects Low-density Lipoproteins from Oxidation in Healthy Men." Atherosclerosis, 2010;208(2):467-72).

For additional information, contact C. Calzada, Universite de Lyon, F-69622, Lyon, France.

From the May 10, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition