Successful treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia with a formula diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and medium-chain triglycerides.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new omega-3 fatty acid and medium-chain triglyceride-rich formula diet in rapidly reducing plasma triglyceride levels in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia.
Results Summary
The formula diet significantly reduced plasma triglyceride levels (from 1,601 to 554 mg/dl) and total cholesterol levels (from 417 to 287 mg/dl) within 7 days, with slight decreases in fasting glucose and uric acid levels. The treatment was well-tolerated and accepted by patients.
Population
Thirty-two patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia.
Effective Dosage
Not specified (formula diet composition details not provided).
Duration
7 days.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
new omega-3 fatty acid and medium-chain triglyceride-rich formula diet | decrease | plasma triglycerides | patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia | from 1,601 (402-4,555) to 554 (142-2,382) mg/dl | decreased | #1 |
new omega-3 fatty acid and medium-chain triglyceride-rich formula diet | decrease | total cholesterol levels | patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia | from 417 (211-841) to 287 (165-457) mg/dl | reduced | #2 |
new omega-3 fatty acid and medium-chain triglyceride-rich formula diet | decrease | fasting glucose levels | patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia | -8% | slightly decreased | #3 |
new omega-3 fatty acid and medium-chain triglyceride-rich formula diet | decrease | uric acid levels | patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia | -12% | slightly decreased | #4 |
new omega-3 fatty acid and medium-chain triglyceride-rich formula diet | no change | treatment tolerability and acceptance | patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia | - | was well tolerated and accepted | #5 |
new omega-3 fatty acid and medium-chain triglyceride-rich formula diet | decrease | plasma triglyceride levels | patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia | - | showed effectiveness in rapidly and safely lowering | #6 |
BACKGROUND: Patients with highly increased plasma triglyceride levels are at risk of developing serious complications such as pancreatitis, coronary heart disease and stroke. Therefore it is important to rapidly decrease plasma triglyceride levels. A sufficient control of triglyceride levels with drugs like fibrates, statins or nicotinic acid can usually only be attained after a couple of weeks. Plasma exchange appears to be a fast but expensive method to reduce triglyceride levels. In this study we describe the use of a new omega-3 fatty acid and medium-chain triglyceride-rich formula diet as a therapeutic concept to reduce plasma triglyceride levels fast and effectively. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia were treated with the especially composed formula diet for a period of 7 days. RESULTS: Within this period of time, plasma triglycerides decreased from 1,601 (402-4,555) to 554 (142-2,382) mg/dl (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol levels were reduced from 417 (211-841) to 287 (165-457) mg/dl (p < 0.001). Fasting glucose and uric acid levels also slightly decreased (-8%; -12%). The formula diet as a 1-week treatment was well tolerated and accepted by the patients. CONCLUSION: This diet was successfully used as an acute treatment in severe hypertriglyceridemia and showed effectiveness in rapidly and safely lowering plasma triglyceride levels.