Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the lipidic profile of healthy Mexican volunteers.

OBJECTIVE The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the serum lipid profile in a Mexican population was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three g of salmon oil was the daily intake during four weeks. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins and erythrocyte fatty acid composition were analyzed. RESULTS The hypertriglyceridemic group showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction of triglycerides and significant (p < 0.01) elevation of high density lipoproteins. The hypercholesterolemic group reduced significantly the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides; high density lipoproteins were augmented by 11.6%. CONCLUSIONS The hypolipidemic effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was manifest in the Mexican volunteers under the conditions here evaluated.