Using High-Dose Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements to Lower Triglyceride Levels in 10- to 19-Year-Olds

Clinical Pediatrics
Q2
May 2014
Citations:47
Influential Citations:4
Interventional (Human) Studies
84
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Enhanced Details

Methods
Double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial; 25 participants aged 10-19 years with fasting triglycerides 150-1000 mg/dL; randomized to Lovaza or placebo for 6 months; conducted at Boston Children’s Hospital; participants were overweight/obese; not diabetic; no statin use.
Intervention
Lovaza (Omega-3 fatty acids), four 1 g capsules daily (approximately 3,360 mg EPA+DHA per day), for 6 months, oral.
Results
Triglycerides declined in the Lovaza group at 3 months (−54 ± 27 mg/dL; p=0.02) and 6 months (−61 ± 31 mg/dL; p=0.03). Placebo declined by −34 ± 26 mg/dL (p=0.16) at 3 months and −31 ± 33 mg/dL (p=0.32) at 6 months. Difference between groups was not significant (p=0.52). LDL increased in Lovaza by 14 ± 6 mg/dL at 3 months (p=0.02) but not at 6 months; VLDL decreased by 8 ± 4 mg/dL at 3 months (p=0.06) and 11 ± 5 mg/dL at 6 months (p=0.04). Omega-3s were well tolerated with no major adverse events; declines in TG did not differ from placebo, likely due to small sample size and lifestyle changes contributing to TG reductions. Larger, adequately powered trials are needed to confirm TG-lowering efficacy in pediatric hypertriglyceridemia.
Limitations
Small sample size (n=25 randomized; 24 completed); early termination due to slow recruitment; limited power to detect TG differences; potential dietary confounding from lifestyle counseling; results may not generalize to all pediatric populations.

Abstract

Background. Omega-3 fatty acids supplements lower triglyceride (TG) levels in adults; little pediatric information is available. We evaluated their effect in hypertriglyceridemic adolescents. Methods. Twenty-five patients aged 10 to 19 years with TG ...