Randomized controlled trial of gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in peripheral arterial disease

Citation

Leng GC, Lee AJ, Fowkes FGR, Jepson R, Lowe GD, Skinner ER & Mowat BF (1998) Randomized controlled trial of gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in peripheral arterial disease. Clinical Nutrition, 17 (6), pp. 265-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5614%2898%2980318-X

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS epidemiological studies suggest polyunsaturated fatty acids protect against the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to perform a randomized controlled trial of gamma-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids in patients with lower limb atherosclerosis. Main outcome measures were: cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations; haemostatic and rheological variables; the ankle brachial pressure index; walking distance; and cardiovascular events and death. METHODS 120 men and women with stable intermittent claudication were randomized to 2 years treatment with either a combination of gamma-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids, or placebo. RESULTS 39 (65.0 cent) of those taking fatty acids and 36 (60.0 cent) of those taking placebo completed the trial. Lipid concentrations did not differ significantly during the trial. In those taking fatty acids, haematocrit was significantly higher than in the placebo group after 6 months (46.1 cent compared with 44.6 cent, P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS a combination of polyunsaturated fatty acids produced a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, but no other significant benefits on risk factors. The trend towards fewer coronary events in those taking fatty acids warrants further investigation.

Keywords
randomized controlled trial; peripheral atherosclerosis; polyunsaturated fatty acids

Journal
Clinical Nutrition: Volume 17, Issue 6