HIV infection: omega-3s reduce triglycerides and increase good cholesterol
Ahealthy diet, enriched in Omega 3 and low in saturated as well as total fat, allows patients on antiretroviral therapy (HIV therapy) to decrease triglyceride levels and inflammation and increase "good" cholesterol. This is the finding of a study from the School of Medicine at Tufts Univeristy (Boston, United States), published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1. Supplementing with Omega-3 could be a viable alternative to taking additional medications beyond those these patients cannot live without.
HIV, triglycerides and cholesterol
The level of triglycerides in the blood of HIV-infected patients is generally higher than normal. Conversely, concentrations of so-called "good" cholesterol are low in these patients. Antiretroviral therapy allows the virus to be kept under control: however, it has not improved the lipid profile of these individuals. Remedies must be found to restore blood fat levels to amounts that are not dangerous to health. It is also necessary to remember that those infected with HIV are already taking a large amount of potent medications. To avoid the risk of harmful interactions, it is preferable not to add additional medications to therapy.
Why can Omega-3s be helpful in HIV infection?
Omega-3s are fatty acids capable of controlling triglyceride levels in the blood. They are not drugs, but nutrients without side effects. Not only that, studies prior to that of the Boston researchers had already suggested that Omega-3s can also reduce triglycerides in the blood in HIV-infected patients. Specifically, a dose of these fatty acids ranging from 2 to 6 grams per day can reduce triglyceride levels by 15-25% even in those on antiretroviral therapy.
Omega-3, efficacy confirmed by study
This effectiveness was confirmed by research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Fifty-four individuals who were taking antiretrovirals received 6 grams per day of Omega-3 for a total of 13 weeks. As a control they received a placebo.
- After 3 weeks, the blood triglyceride levels of those who were taking Omega-3s had dropped from the initial 180 mg/dl to 114 mg/dl.
- After another 10 weeks, the concentration had dropped further to 110 mg/dl.
- After 3 and 13 weeks, the levels of these fats in those who were taking placebo, initially around 175 mg/dl, had increased to 183 and 205 mg/dl.
At the same time, after 3 weeks of Omega-3 treatment, total cholesterol levels had decreased from 208 mg/dl to 186 mg/dl. This effect was found to be associated with an increase in "good" cholesterol at the end of the 13-week trial. Finally, taking Omega-3 reduced levels of inflammation, as shown by the reduction in arachidonic acid levels found only in those who took these nutrients.
Source
1. Woods MN, Wanke CA, Ling PR, Hendricks KM, Tang AM, Knox TA, Andersson CE, Dong KR, Skinner SC, Bistrian BR, "Effect of a dietary intervention and n-3 fatty acid supplementation on measures of serum lipid and insulin sensitivity in persons with HIV," Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Dec;90(6):1566-78. Epub 2009 Oct 21
