Effect of an Alpha-linolenic Acid-rich Supplement on Ketogenesis and Plasma Fatty Acids

Université de Sherbrooke20 enrolled

Overview

Background: As the main alternative fuel to glucose for the brain, increased plasma ketones could potentially help compensate for brain glucose hypometabolism occurring during aging. The precursor long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), is normally mostly β-oxidized and so could potentially be used to stimulate ketogenesis in humans. Objective: To compare the impact of an ALA-rich supplement on the ketogenic response in young and older healthy adults. Design: Ten young and ten older adults will consume a flaxseed oil supplement providing 2 g/d of ALA for 4 weeks. Plasma ketones, free fatty acids, triglycerides, glucose and insulin will be measured over 6 h during two metabolic study days, one before and one at the end of the supplementation. Hypothesis: ALA-rich supplement for 4 weeks will increase ketone production in both groups.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Healthy

Interventions

each participant consumed one 1000 mg capsule of flaxseed oil four times per day for 4 weeks, providing a total of 2 g/d of ALA. The capsules used were a commercially available flaxseed oil supplement containing ALA at 56% of total fatty acids (Jamieson, Toronto, ON, Canada). The other main fatty acids present in flaxseed oil include linoleic acid (18%), oleic acid (16%), palmitic and stearic acid (10% combined).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * aged between 18 and 30 or 65 years and more Exclusion Criteria: * non smoker * pregnancy or breastfeeding * diabetes or insulin resistance * uncontrolled thyroid disease, hepatic or renal disease * uncontrolled high blood pressure * medical treatment influencing lipid or glucide metabolism * ongoing or past severe drug or alcohol abuse * dementia or psychiatric difficulties or depression * chronic immune condition or inflammation

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Ketone Production

Total Ketone (acetoacetate + beta-hydroxybutyrate) concentration in plasma in average during the metabolic study day, measured hourly between 1 and 6h after breakfast

Time frame: After 4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Plasma Glucose

Glucose measured in plasma in average during the metabolic study day, measure hourly between 0 and 6 h after breakfast

Time frame: After 4 weeks

Plasma Triglycerides

Triglycerides measured in plasma in average during the metabolic study day, measured hourly between 1 to 6h after breakfast

Time frame: After 4 weeks

Plasma Free Fatty Acids

Free fatty acids measured in plasma in average during the metabolic study day, measured hourly between 1 to 6h after breakfast

Time frame: 4 weeks

Insulin Concentration in Plasma

Insulin measured in plasma in average during the metabolic study day, measured hourly between 0 ans 6 h after breakfast

Time frame: after 4 weeks