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.
Salvia Miltiorrhiza Root Water-Extract (Danshen) Has No Beneficial Effect on Cardiovascular Risk Factors. A Randomized Double-Blind Cross-Over Trial
