Does fish oil reduce cholesterol

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The Impact of Fish Oil on Cholesterol Levels: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction to Fish Oil and Cholesterol

Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is widely recognized for its cardiovascular benefits, particularly in reducing triglycerides. However, its effects on cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), are less clear and have been the subject of extensive research.

Fish Oil and Total Cholesterol

Several studies have investigated the impact of fish oil on total cholesterol levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that fish oil supplementation does not significantly change total cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic subjects . Similarly, another study confirmed that fish oil had no effect on total cholesterol in healthy subjects . However, a study on rodents suggested that cetoleic acid-rich fish oils could lower total cholesterol, indicating potential species-specific effects that warrant further investigation in humans .

Fish Oil and LDL Cholesterol

The effects of fish oil on LDL cholesterol are mixed. Some studies report a slight increase in LDL cholesterol levels with fish oil supplementation. For instance, a meta-analysis found a small increase in LDL cholesterol (0.06 mmol/L) , and another study observed a rise in LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels in hypertriglyceridemic patients . Conversely, a study on saury oil, a type of fish oil, showed a reduction in LDL particle counts, suggesting that the type of fish oil and its specific fatty acid composition might influence outcomes .

Fish Oil and HDL Cholesterol

Fish oil appears to have a modest positive effect on HDL cholesterol. A systematic review reported a slight increase in HDL cholesterol (0.01 mmol/L) . Another study found that fish oil supplementation increased HDL particle size, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health . These findings suggest that while the increase in HDL cholesterol may be small, it could still contribute to improved lipid profiles.

Fish Oil and Triglycerides

The most consistent and significant effect of fish oil is its ability to reduce triglyceride levels. Multiple studies have confirmed this benefit. A meta-analysis reported a clinically significant reduction in triglycerides (-0.34 mmol/L) . Another study found that fish oil supplementation led to a marked decrease in triglyceride levels in both Type IIb and Type V hyperlipidemic patients . This triglyceride-lowering effect is dose-dependent and more pronounced in individuals with higher baseline triglyceride levels .

Fish Oil and Inflammatory Markers

Fish oil also impacts inflammatory markers, which are linked to cardiovascular risk. A study on postmenopausal women found that fish oil supplementation significantly decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, indicating reduced inflammation . This anti-inflammatory effect may contribute to the overall cardiovascular benefits of fish oil.

Conclusion

In summary, fish oil supplementation has a well-documented effect on reducing triglyceride levels, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Its impact on cholesterol levels is more nuanced, with slight increases in LDL cholesterol and modest improvements in HDL cholesterol. The type of fish oil and its specific fatty acid composition can influence these outcomes. Additionally, fish oil's anti-inflammatory properties further enhance its cardiovascular benefits. While fish oil is effective in managing triglycerides, its effects on cholesterol require careful consideration and further research to fully understand its role in lipid management.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Fish Oil Supplements Lower Serum Lipids and Glucose in Correlation with a Reduction in Plasma Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and Prostaglandin E2 in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Associated with Hyperlipidemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Fish oil supplements can improve metabolic abnormalities in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease associated with hyperlipidemia by reducing fibroblast growth factor 21 and prostaglandin E2.

RCTRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2015·

92citations

·Yu Qin et al.

Benefits of fish oil supplementation in hyperlipidemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fish oil supplementation significantly reduces fasting blood triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic individuals, but does not significantly affect total, HDL, or LDL cholesterol levels.

Meta-AnalysisHighly Cited

2009·

289citations

·G. Eslick et al.

Effects of a low saturated fat, low cholesterol fish oil supplement in hypertriglyceridemic patients. A placebo-controlled trial.

Fish oil supplements can lower plasma triglyceride levels in hypertriglyceridemic patients, but monitoring of lipoprotein changes is necessary due to potential long-term benefits.

RCTHighly Cited

1988·

94citations

·William S. Harris et al.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on serum markers of cardiovascular disease risk: a systematic review.

Fish oil consumption reduces serum triglycerides, improves HDL cholesterol, and increases LDL cholesterol levels, but its effects on hs-CRP and ALA are inconclusive.

Systematic ReviewHighly Cited

2006·

734citations

·E. Balk et al.

Supplementation with saury oil, a fish oil high in omega-11 monounsaturated fatty acids, improves plasma lipids in healthy subjects.

Saury oil supplementation is well-tolerated and improves cardiovascular parameters like LDL particle counts, HDL particle size, and plasma TG levels in healthy individuals.

RCT

2019·

16citations

·Zhi-Hong Yang et al.

Effects of diets containing fish oils or fish oil concentrates with high cetoleic acid content on the circulating cholesterol concentration in rodents. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Intake of cetoleic acid-rich fish oils and concentrates significantly lowers circulating total cholesterol concentration in rodents, suggesting potential as functional dietary ingredients or supplements to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in humans.

Meta-Analysis

2023·

2citations

·Margrete Mjaatveit et al.

Dietary fish oil decreases C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and triacylglycerol to HDL-cholesterol ratio in postmenopausal women on HRT.

Dietary fish oil supplementation may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by modulating both plasma lipids and inflammatory markers in healthy postmenopausal women on HRT.

RCTHighly Cited

2003·

142citations

·I. Ciubotaru et al.

Fish oil attenuates the cholesterol induced rise in lipoprotein cholesterol.

Fish oil rich in n-3 fatty acids can lower lipoprotein cholesterol even when the intake of cholesterol is high, even when triglyceride levels are high.

Non-RCTHighly Cited

1986·

128citations

·P. Nestel

Reduction of Plasma Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Apoproteins by Dietary Fish Oils in Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia

Fish oils and fish may be useful components of diets for treating hypertriglyceridemia, reducing plasma cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and VLDL levels.

Highly Cited

1985·

690citations

·B. Phillipson et al.

Genome-wide association study of fish oil supplementation on lipid traits in 81,246 individuals reveals new gene-diet interaction loci

Fish oil supplementation can modify the effects of four genetic loci on blood lipids, highlighting the need for personalized nutrition.

2021·

23citations

·M. Francis et al.

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