n-3 fatty acids plus oleic acid and vitamin supplemented milk consumption reduces total and LDL cholesterol, homocysteine and levels of endothelial adhesion molecules in healthy humans.

Background and aims: Numerous studies suggest n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and oleic acid intake have beneficial effects on health including risk reduction of coronary heart disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercially available skimmed milk supplemented with n- 3 PUFA, oleic acid, and vitamins E, B-6, and folic acid (Puleva Omega3((R))) on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. (CVD). Methods,:Thirty volunteers were given 500 ml/day of semi-skimmed milk for 4 weeks and then 500 ml/day of the n- 3 enriched milk for 8 further weeks. Plasma and LDL lipoproteins were obtained from volunteers at the beginning of the study (T-pre), and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Results.-The consumption of n-3 enriched milk produced a significant decrease in plasma concentration of total and LDL cholesterol accompanied by a reduction in plasma levels of homocysteine. Plasma and LDL oxidability and vitamin E concentration remained unchanged throughout the study. A significant reduction in plasma levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and an increase in plasma concentration of folic acid were also observed. Conclusion: Daily intake of n-3 PUFA and oleic acid supplemented skimmed milk plus folic acid and B-type vitamins has favourable effects on risk factors for CVD. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.