The Effect of Crackers Enriched with Camelina Sativa Oil on Omega-3 Serum Fatty Acid Composition in Older Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial.

BACKGROUND: Camelina sativa oil is one of the richest dietary sources of omega-3, with polyunsaturated fatty acids amounts of over 50%, linolenic acid content of around 40-45%, and linoleic acid of about 15%. Moreover, this oil is a valuable source of antioxidants which provide oxidative stability. All those features raise interest in considering Camelina oil as an alternative and sustainable oil source providing stable omega-3-rich emulsions for functional food production. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Camelina oil-enriched crackers on serum omega-3 concentration, inflammatory markers and serum lipid profile. DESIGN: Randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial. SETTING: Research and Development Center (Complife Italia s.r.l.). PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-six free-living older volunteers (aged≥65 years). INTERVENTION: Older adults were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the camelina group or the placebo group. Subjects consumed daily 35 g of crackers (Camelina enriched crackers or placebo ones) twice daily for 12 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Serum polyunsaturated fatty acid profile, inflammatory status and serum lipid panel parameters were recorded pre and post-intervention. RESULTS: In the camelina group, alpha-linolenic acid serum concentration was significantly higher (p<0.01) compared to the placebo group at the end of the study. Concerning inflammatory plasma markers, a significant mean pro-inflammatory interleukin-18 plasma concentration decrease in the placebo group compared to the camelina one was observed (p<0.05). No significant differences in other mean inflammatory markers concentrations post-intervention were noted in either group. Lastly, examining the change in lipid profile, it is noteworthy that a higher reduction of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides in the camelina group post-intervention, despite the lack of statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Camelina oil significantly elevated the serum alpha-linolenic acid concentration with no significant changes in inflammatory markers and lipid profile.

[Probable stenocardial effects of combined oral contraceptives]. / Probabili effetti stenocardici dei contraccettivi orali di tipo combinato.

One case of myocardial infarction and one case of coronary insufficiency, observed in women treated with oral contraceptives, are presented. Pathogenetic hypotheses are put forward and stress is laid on the necessity of evaluating risk factors as well as carrying out the various hemogenic tests in these patients.