Cholesterol, High Cholesterol

Expected triglyceride lowering effect by omega-3 fish oil: In a meta-analysis that included 21 trials, researchers reported dietary fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids dose range 0.045 to 5.9 grams of EPA and DHA per day) led to a total average decrease in triglycerides of 27 mg/dL, an increase in HDL cholesterol of 1.6 mg/dL, and an increase in LDL cholesterol of 6 mg/dL. Total cholesterol was not affected by fish oil intake. Furthermore the more fish oil consumed, the greater the reduction in triglycerides by a dose-dependent effect. The analysis also determined that patients with a higher triglyceride level prior to starting fish oil experienced a greater response than patients with lower triglycerides. The meta-analysis determined that for every 1 gram of fish oil intake, triglycerides were reduced about 8 mg/dl. Benefits from plant based omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) were inconclusive. (76)