Dietary Omega-7 Palmitoleic Acid-Rich Oil on Lipoprotein Metabolism and Satiety in Adults

Serum cholesterol is transported by lipoproteins, such as VLDL, LDL, and HDL, which vary in their relationship to cardiovascular disease risk. LDL, for example, is proatherogenic, whereas HDL is cardio-protective. Palmitoleic acid (cis-C16:1 n-7), an omega-7 fatty acid with 16 carbons in length with a single double bound in the n-7 position, have been shown in mice and human to decrease proatherogenic lipoproteins, such as LDL, and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. This study will test the hypothesis that palmitoleate supplementation in humans will favorably alter the lipoprotein lipid profile in regard to cardiovascular disease risk. We will also assess other parameters related to lipoprotein composition and function, as well as other biomarkers related to coagulation and inflammation, which have previously been shown to be possibly affected by supplementation with omega-7 fatty acid. In addition, previous animal studies have indicated the palmitoleate induced satiety and suppressed body weight gain, possibly through enhancement of the release of satiety hormones. In this clinical trial, we therefore will also examine the effect of concentrated palmitoleate on satiety. This clinical research project is designed as a pilot, randomized, double-blinded, crossover study that will investigate the effect of concentrated oil enriched with palmitoleate on lipoprotein metabolism and satiety. Subjects will either receive control olive oil enriched in oleic acid, a longer-chain monounsaturated fatty acid (cis-C18:1 n-9), or a concentrate oil supplement produced from pollock fish (rich in palmitoleate) for approximately 8-10 weeks, with a wash out period of 8-10 weeks between the two arms of the study. The study consists of 4 outpatient visits when laboratory or research samples will be performed. A 7-day food diary, pill count, and red cell membrane fatty acid levels will be monitored to assess compliance. The effect of the supplement on satiety will be assessed at each visit.