Our last study, described below, has completed the feeding phase. Biological samples are now being tested and the results are expected to be published in early 2009.

Comparing different types of n-3 fatty acids (ALA vs EPA/DHA)
on selected coronary heart disease risk factors in healthy adults

Regular consumption on n-3 fatty acids from both marine (EPA/DHA) and plant (ALA) sources has been shown to produce significant cardiovascular heatlh benefits in both normolipidemic and dyslipidemic humans. This study compared the effects of an ALA rich diet vs an EPA/DHA rich diet on blood lipids and other selected coronary risk factors in healthy adults and, for the first time, look at the possible synergistic effect of combining ALA and EPA/DHA in the diet.

The study was a carefully controlled feeding study over the course of 25 weeks in three 8-week diet phases. All participants consumed a typical US diet for one week. This was followed by assignment to one of three groups, each of which had an eight week diet on a control diet, a diet including flaxseed oil or walnuts and a diet including a micro algae supplement.

Study funded by the Center for Health and Nutrition Research at UC Davis.