Soybean oil increased omega-3 levels in healthy adults

American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2009

Stearidonic acid soybean oil significantly increased omega-3 levels in healthy adults from 4.3% to 17.17% at 12 weeks.

“A change in any omega-3 levels would be expected to reduce the risk for major cardiac events including sudden cardiac death, and stearidonic acid soybean oil many be a viable plant-based approach,” William Harris, PhD, chief of cardiovascular health research at the University of South Dakota, said during a presentation here.

Harris and colleagues conducted the double-blind study to compare the effects of stearidonic acid soybean oil in red blood cell eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid levels as well as other markers of CV health.

Researchers developed a new soybean oil variation by inserting one gene from a fungus and one gene from another plant into a soybean plant to produce stearidonic acid soybean oil.

The study included 252 healthy adults assigned to daily treatment with stearidonic acid soybean oil 15 g plus 1 g soybean oil gel caps (SDA group, n=81), soybean oil 15 g with either eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl esters (EPA group, n=84) or 1 g soybean oil gel caps (control group, n=87). Each group received two packets of the oil to add to food and two gel caps to swallow daily. Per protocol analysis was conducted in 157 participants.

Overall mean omega-3 index was 4.3% at baseline and significantly increased to 17.7% in the SDA group and to 19.7% in the EPA group at 12 weeks (P<.001 for both). The index remained unchanged in the control group.

In addition, stearidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid further reduced fasting triglyceride levels by 26% to 30% in participants with high triglyceride levels when compared with the control group.

The researchers reported no adverse events. – by Jennifer Southall

For more information:

Harris W. #1149. Presented at: the American Heart Association 2009 Scientific Session; Nov. 14-18, 2009; Orlando, Fla.