Serum Lipid Response to n-3 Fatty Acid Enriched Eggs in Persons with Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Consumption of longchain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) is low among certain population subgroups in the United States, especially in people living in Midwestern states and those who dislike fish (7,8). Therefore, there is a need to identify acceptable food sources of n-3 PUFA. Vegetable oils, such as canola and soy, provide some n-3 fatty acids. However, these sources are high in n-6 fatty acids and there is concern that they may have detrimental side effects (9). Eggs enriched in n-3 PUFA can be produced by incorporating sources of these fatty acids into poultry rations (10,11). In acceptability studies, US consumers responded positively to n-3 enriched eggs (12). However, Americans may be reluctant to consume eggs as a source of n-3 PUFA because of their cholesterol content.