Effects of Dietary Plant-Derived Low-Ratio Linoleic Acid/Alpha-Linolenic Acid on Blood Lipid Profiles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of low-ratio linoleic acid/alpha-linolenic acid (LA/ALA) supplementation on the blood lipid profiles in adults. We conducted a systematic search for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of low-ratio LA/ALA using databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, as well as screened related references up until February 2023. The intervention effects were analyzed adopting weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The meta-analysis indicated that low-ratio LA/ALA supplementation decreased total cholesterol (TC, WMD: −0.09 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.17, −0.01, p = 0.031, I2 = 33.2%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, WMD: −0.08 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.13, −0.02, p = 0.007, I2 = 0.0%), and triglycerides (TG, WMD: −0.05 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.09, 0.00, p = 0.049, I2 = 0.0%) concentrations. There was no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (HDL-C, WMD: −0.00 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.02, 0.02, p = 0.895, I2 = 0.0%). Subgroup analysis showed that low-ratio LA/ALA supplementation significantly decreased plasma TC, LDL-C, and TG concentrations when the intervention period was less than 12 weeks. In the subgroup analysis, a noteworthy decrease in both TC and LDL-C levels was observed in individuals receiving low-ratio LA/ALA supplementation in the range of 1–5. These findings suggest that this specific range could potentially be effective in reducing lipid profiles. The findings of this study provide additional evidence supporting the potential role of low-ratio LA/ALA supplementation in reducing TC, LDL-C, and TG concentrations, although no significant impact on HDL-C was observed.