Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids improve intestinal barrier integrity-albeit to a lesser degree than short-chain fatty acids: an exploratory analysis of the randomized controlled LIBRE trial.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with beneficial health effects, including gastrointestinal disorders. Preclinical studies suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), found in Mediterranean foods like nuts and fish, improve intestinal barrier integrity. Here, we assessed possible effects of n-3 PUFAs on barrier integrity in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

We studied 68 women from the open-label LIBRE trial (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02087592) who followed either a Mediterranean diet (intervention group, IG) or a standard diet (control group, CG). Study visits comprised baseline, month 3, and month 12. Barrier integrity was assessed by plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and fecal zonulin; fatty acids by gas chromatog

SUBMITTER: Seethaler B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10468946 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature