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International Journal of Food Sciences... May 2021Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, including the precursor α-linolenic acid (ALA) is often sub-optimal and not in line with international guidelines. Supplementation...
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, including the precursor α-linolenic acid (ALA) is often sub-optimal and not in line with international guidelines. Supplementation is debatable, but some individuals, e.g., pre-diabetic, low-grade inflammation, cardiometabolic yet otherwise healthy subjects, might benefit from supra-physiological omega-3 intake, particularly to lessen inflammation. We explored the feasibility of a large clinical trial by performing a pilot study to evaluate adherence, palatability, and self-reported side effects of ALA administration in a group of volunteers. We enrolled 12 individuals with borderline dyslipidemia or overweight, treated with dietary advice according to international guidelines and who had insufficient intakes of essential fatty acids. Subjects were followed for nutritional counselling and were matched with appropriate controls. Patients were administered 6 g/day of ALA, for two months. We report the absence of side effects. such as fishy aftertaste and gastrointestinal distress, in addition to a slight decrease of C-reactive protein concentrations (Identifier: ISRCTN13118704).
Topics: Adult; Aged; Blood Pressure; C-Reactive Protein; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Essential; Feasibility Studies; Female; Heart; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Middle Aged; Overweight; Patient Compliance; Pilot Projects; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 32746658
DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2020.1802581 -
The Journal of Pediatrics Nov 1994Commercial infant formulas with a ratio of linoleic acid (LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) of 10:1 or higher are nutritionally inadequate; the tissue levels of... (Review)
Review
Commercial infant formulas with a ratio of linoleic acid (LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) of 10:1 or higher are nutritionally inadequate; the tissue levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are lower and the visual function indices are reduced in infants who are fed these formulas. All the evidence points to using LA:ALA ratios of less than 8:1, but there has been only one study in infants that used formulas with reduced LA:ALA ratios, and only biochemical indices were monitored. There is a need for both short-term studies to establish the ratios of LA to ALA that will make possible the accumulation of DHA to levels close to those in breast-fed infants and long-term trials to determine the effects of such fat blends on growth and development.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Child Development; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Energy Intake; Humans; Infant; Infant Food; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Linoleic Acid; Linoleic Acids; Milk, Human; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritive Value; Time Factors; Vision, Ocular; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 7965453
DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3476(06)80736-5 -
Nutrition Reviews Jun 2008Consumption of omega 3 fatty acids is known to have health benefits. For many years, the importance of the only member of the omega 3 family considered to be essential,... (Review)
Review
Consumption of omega 3 fatty acids is known to have health benefits. For many years, the importance of the only member of the omega 3 family considered to be essential, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), has been overlooked. Current research indicates that ALA, along with its longer chain metabolites, may play an important role in many physiological functions. Potential benefits of ALA include cardioprotective effects, modulation of the inflammatory response, and a positive impact on both central nervous system function and behavior. Recommended levels for ALA intake have been set, yet the possible advantages of its consumption are just being revealed.
Topics: Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Nutrition Policy; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 18522621
DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2008.00040.x -
Lipids Dec 2002This review examines the data pertaining to an important and often underrated EFA, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). It examines its sources, metabolism, and biological... (Review)
Review
This review examines the data pertaining to an important and often underrated EFA, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). It examines its sources, metabolism, and biological effects in various population studies, in vitro, animal, and human intervention studies. The main role of ALA was assumed to be as a precursor to the longer-chain n-3 PUFA, EPA and DHA, and particularly for supplying DHA for neural tissue. This paper reveals that the major metabolic route of ALA metabolism is beta-oxidation. Furthermore, ALA accumulates in specific sites in the body of mammals (carcass, adipose, and skin), and only a small proportion of the fed ALA is converted to DHA. There is some evidence that ALA may be involved with skin and fur function. There is continuing debate regarding whether ALA has actions of its own in relation to the cardiovascular system and neural function. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are two of the major burdens of disease in the 21st century, and emerging evidence suggests that diets containing ALA are associated with reductions in total deaths and sudden cardiac death. There may be aspects of the action and, more importantly, the metabolism of ALA that need to be elucidated, and these will help us understand the biological effects of this compound better. Additionally, we must not forget that ALA is part of the whole diet and should be seen in this context, not in isolation.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mammals; Neoplasms; Nutrition Policy; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 12617463
DOI: 10.1007/s11745-002-1008-x -
Inflammation Oct 2020Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the large intestine, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. It can be...
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the large intestine, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. It can be alleviated by certain bioactive compounds, including α-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a bioactive component in fermented black radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. niger). The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of ALA in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. UC was induced in C57BL/6 mice by allowing them to freely drink water containing 2.5% DSS for 7 days, followed by oral administration of ALA (30 and 60 mg/kg/day) or vehicle control for 7 days. DSS-induced colitis was evaluated using the Disease Activity Index (DAI) and by measuring colon length and performing a histopathological examination. Compared to the control group, the vehicle-treated group showed a higher DAI score, shorter colon, goblet cell loss, and crypt shortening. The ALA treatment mitigated clinical signs of UC and histopathological changes. Furthermore, it mitigated intestinal inflammation by reducing the expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1-positive macrophages in the colon. These results show that ALA alleviates DSS-induced UC by suppressing colon damage, which includes goblet cell loss, crypt shortening, and a reduction of macrophages in the colon.
Topics: Animals; Colitis, Ulcerative; Dextran Sulfate; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Plant Extracts; Raphanus; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 32468499
DOI: 10.1007/s10753-020-01260-7 -
Lipids Feb 2011The bioactive properties of the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have long been recognised and are the subject of a number of excellent reviews. However, despite... (Review)
Review
The bioactive properties of the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have long been recognised and are the subject of a number of excellent reviews. However, despite this prominence the CLA isomers are not the only group of naturally occurring dietary conjugated fatty acids which have shown potent bioactivity. In a large number of in vitro and in vivo studies, conjugated α-linolenic acid (CLNA) isomers have displayed potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-obese and anti-carcinogenic activity, along with the ability to improve biomarkers of cardio-vascular health. CLNA isomers are naturally present in high concentrations in a large variety of seed oils but can also be produced in vitro by strains of lactobacilli and bifidobactena through the activity of the enzyme linoleic acid isomerase on α-linolenic acid. In this review, we will address the possible therapeutic roles that CLNA may play in a number of conditions afflicting Western society and the mechanisms through which this activity is mediated.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Anti-Obesity Agents; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Isomerism; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 21161605
DOI: 10.1007/s11745-010-3501-5 -
World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics 1998
Review
Topics: Animals; Diet; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Flax; Linoleic Acid; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 9648515
DOI: 10.1159/000059664 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024The plant-derived α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential n-3 acid highly susceptible to oxidation, present in oils of flaxseeds, walnuts, canola, perilla, soy, and... (Review)
Review
The plant-derived α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential n-3 acid highly susceptible to oxidation, present in oils of flaxseeds, walnuts, canola, perilla, soy, and chia. After ingestion, it can be incorporated in to body lipid pools (particularly triglycerides and phospholipid membranes), and then endogenously metabolized through desaturation, elongation, and peroxisome oxidation to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with a very limited efficiency (particularly for DHA), beta-oxidized as an energy source, or directly metabolized to C18-oxilipins. At this moment, data in the literature about the effects of ALA supplementation on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in humans are inconsistent, indicating no effects or some positive effects on all MetS components (abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired insulin sensitivity and glucoregulation, blood pressure, and liver steatosis). The major effects of ALA on MetS seem to be through its conversion to more potent EPA and DHA, the impact on the n-3/n-6 ratio, and the consecutive effects on the formation of oxylipins and endocannabinoids, inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion, as well as adipocyte and hepatocytes function. It is important to distinguish the direct effects of ALA from the effects of EPA and DHA metabolites. This review summarizes the most recent findings on this topic and discusses the possible mechanisms.
Topics: Metabolic Syndrome; Humans; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Animals; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Dietary Supplements; Insulin Resistance
PubMed: 38732139
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094909 -
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology Nov 2010Preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with nutritional interventions is a therapeutic strategy that may warrant greater research attention. The... (Review)
Review
Preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with nutritional interventions is a therapeutic strategy that may warrant greater research attention. The increased use of omega (ω)-3 fatty acids is a powerful example of one such nutritional strategy that may produce significant cardiovascular benefits. Marine food products have provided the traditional dietary sources of ω-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed is an alternative to marine products. It is one of the richest sources of the plant-based ω-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Based on the results of clinical trials, epidemiological investigations and experimental studies, ingestion of ALA has been suggested to have a positive impact on CVD. Because of its high ALA content, the use of flaxseed has been advocated to combat CVD. The purpose of the present review was to identify the known cardiovascular effects of flaxseed and ALA and, just as importantly, what is presently unknown.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Clinical Trials as Topic; Evidence-Based Medicine; Flax; Humans; Phytotherapy; Seeds; Treatment Outcome; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 21076723
DOI: 10.1016/s0828-282x(10)70455-4 -
Minerva Cardioangiologica Aug 2006Over the last decades, an increasing body of evidence has been accumulated on the beneficial effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids both in primary and secondary... (Review)
Review
Over the last decades, an increasing body of evidence has been accumulated on the beneficial effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids both in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, the vast majority of the studies has been performed on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and not on their biochemical precursor, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Actually, ALA has some other beneficial effects apart from the known antiarrhythmic effect. In fact, ALA has a strong inhibitory effect on omega-6 metabolic pathway. An adequate daily intake of ALA shifts metabolic pathway to EPA, so favoring the formation of products with a predominant antiaggregating and vasorelaxing action, with respect to eicosanoids with a predominant thrombotic effect. Some important evidences have been raised on the association between ALA and cardiovascular mortality. Indeed, dietary ALA has been associated with a lower rate of fatal and nonfatal coronary events. Hence, major scientific associations published nutritional guidelines including a specific recommendation for ALA.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Clinical Trials as Topic; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Humans; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 17016414
DOI: No ID Found