Genetics
Genotype-based RCT finds both plant-based omega-3 and omega-6 oils lower Lp(a) by 7-10%, regardless of FADS1 genotype (Atherosclerosis 2024)
Original title: Dietary n-3 alpha-linolenic and n-6 linoleic acids modestly lower serum lipoprotein(a) concentration but differentially influence other atherogenic lipoprotein traits: A randomized trial
In this genotype-based randomised trial, 118 men homozygous for the FADS1 rs174550 SNP (TT or CC) completed a 4-week run-in followed by an 8-week intervention with either Camelina sativa oil (rich in alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) or sunflower oil (rich in linoleic acid, LA), dosed 30-50 mL per day by BMI. The ALA diet lowered serum Lp(a) by 7.3% (p = 0.003) and the LA diet by 9.5% (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between diets (p = 0.089), and both produced larger absolute reductions in participants with higher baseline Lp(a) (p < 0.001). The ALA diet lowered LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, remnant cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B more than the LA diet (p < 0.01 for all). Lipid and lipoprotein responses did not differ by FADS1 genotype. A substantial increase in dietary ALA or LA from vegetable oils modestly lowers Lp(a) similarly, though ALA confers broader benefit across other atherogenic lipid measures, independent of genetic differences in polyunsaturated fatty acid conversion.
Original abstract
Background And Aims: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a causal, genetically determined cardiovascular risk factor. Limited evidence suggests that dietary unsaturated fat may increase serum Lp(a) concentration by 10-15 %. Linoleic acid may increase Lp(a) concentration through its endogenous conversion to arachidonic acid, a process regulated by the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster. We aimed to compare the Lp(a) and other lipoprotein trait-modulating effects of dietary alpha-linolenic (ALA) and linoleic acids (LA). Additionally, we examined whether FADS1 rs174550 genotype modifies Lp(a) responses.
Methods: A genotype-based randomized trial was performed in 118 men homozygous for FADS1 rs174550 SNP (TT or CC). After a 4-week run-in period, the participants were randomized to 8-week intervention diets enriched with either Camelina sativa oil (ALA diet) or sunflower oil (LA diet) 30-50 mL/day based on their BMI. Serum lipid profile was measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention.
Results: ALA diet lowered serum Lp(a) concentration by 7.3 % (p = 0.003) and LA diet by 9.5 % (p < 0.001) (p = 0.089 for between-diet difference). Both diets led to greater absolute decreases in individuals with higher baseline Lp(a) concentration (p < 0.001). Concentrations of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), non-HDL-C, remnant-C, and apolipoprotein B were lowered more by the ALA diet (p < 0.01). Lipid or lipoprotein responses were not modified by the FADS1 rs174550 genotype.
Conclusions: A considerable increase in either dietary ALA or LA from vegetable oils has a similar Lp(a)-lowering effect, whereas ALA may lower other major atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins to a greater extent than LA. Genetic differences in endogenous PUFA conversion may not influence serum Lp(a) concentration.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.