Omega-3 fatty acids and individual variability in plasma triglyceride response: A mini-review

• Published in: Redox biology Vol. 63; p. 102730
• Main Authors: Rundblad, Amanda, Sandoval, Viviana, Holven, Kirsten B., Ordovás, José M., Ulven, Stine M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.07.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control; Dietary Supplements; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid - metabolism; Epigenetics; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; from the Special Issue on Nutrigenomics; Edited by Dr. Lars-Oliver Klotz and Dr. Carsten Carlberg; Gene expression; Genotype; Gut microbiota; Humans; Omega-3 fatty acids; Triglycerides; Gut microbiota; Epigenetics; Genotype; Triglycerides; Gene expression; Omega-3 fatty acids
• ISSN: 2213-2317; 2213-2317
• DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102730

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Supplementation with the marine omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is associated with lower CVD risk. However, results from randomized controlled trials that examine the effect of omega-3 supplementation on CVD risk are inconsistent. This risk-reducing effect may be mediated by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and serum triglyceride (TG) levels. However, not all individuals respond by reducing TG levels after omega-3 supplementation. This inter-individual variability in TG response to omega-3 supplementation is not fully understood. Hence, we aim to review the evidence for how interactions between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and genetic variants, epigenetic and gene expression profiling, gut microbiota and habitual intake of omega-3 fatty acids can explain why the TG response differs between individuals. This may contribute to understanding the current controversies and play a role in defining future personalized guidelines to prevent CVD. Genetic variants, epigenetic modifications, miRNAs, gene expression profiles, gut microbiota and the habitual intake of omega-3 fatty acids may influence the TG response to omega-3 supplementation. Illustrations from Servier Medical Art and Colourbox. [Display omitted] •Omega-3 fatty acids may lower CVD risk by reducing serum TG levels.•However, not all individuals respond to omega-3 supplementation by lowering the TG levels.•Different participant characteristics may contribute to this inter-individual variability in TG response.•Genetic polymorphisms seems to be most important to explain this variation.