Regular consumption ofn-3 fatty acid-enriched pork modifies cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

The long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFA content of pork, particularly DHA, can be increased by including 15% PorcOmega (a fortified tuna fishmeal product) in pig finisher diets. The aim of the present study was to see whether this enriched pork could deliver cardiovascular health benefits to consumers. In a double-blind intervention trial, thirty-three healthy adult volunteers (sixteen female and seventeen male) were randomised to consume either n-3-enriched or regular (control) pork (a selection of five fresh cuts totalling 1000 g/week) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected every 4 weeks and analysed for serum lipids, maximally stimulated thromboxane production and erythrocyte fatty acid composition. The n-3-enriched pork provided subjects with 1.3 g LC n-3 PUFA per week. Erythrocyte DHA levels rose 15% in the n-3 group and fell 5% in the control group over 12 weeks (P=0.001). Compared with the control group, serum TAG decreased to a greater extent in the n-3 group (P=0.02) and serum thromboxane production increased to a lesser extent (P=0.004). Changes in the latter were inversely associated with changes in incorporation of DHA into erythrocytes (r -0.54; P<0.05). Thus the modest increases in LC n-3 PUFA intake resulting from regular consumption of enriched pork can improve cardiovascular risk factors.