The benefits of ω-3 supplementation depend on adiponectin basal level and adiponectin increase after the supplementation: A randomized clinical trial

•ω-3 improves cardiometabolic profile and increases adiponectin levels.•ω-3 benefits depend on people's basal adiponectin levels.•People with low basal adiponectin level demonstrate an improvement in their lipid profile.•Those with higher baseline concentrations of adiponectin see an improvement in their oxidative profile.•Individuals with a higher increase in adiponectin concentration show an improvement in glucose metabolism.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze whether ω-3 supplementation improves cardiometabolic profile in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors and to determine the effect of adiponectin levels on these changes.MethodsIn this double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-mo clinical trial, we randomized 80 individuals of both sexes (mean age 52 y) with at least one cardiovascular risk factor (excess weight, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or smoking) into two groups: ω-3 (supplemented with 3 g/d of fish oil containing 37% eicosapentaenoic acid and 23% docosahexaenoic acid) and placebo (3 g/d of sunflower oil containing 65% linoleic acid). At baseline and after the intervention, we evaluated serum adiponectin, leptin, lipid profile, apolipoproteins (apo), electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL[−]), and glucose metabolism (glucose and insulin).ResultsAfter supplementation, the ω-3 group showed an increase in serum adiponectin. After stratifying the ω-3 group by adiponectin concentration at baseline, participants with lower adiponectin concentration showed a higher reduction of total cholesterol, LDL, LDL/high-density lipoprotein ratio, LDL/apo B, and LDL(−). Individuals with a higher variation of adiponectin concentration after ω-3 supplementation presented with reduced blood glucose. The variation of serum adiponectin induced by ω-3 supplementation was negatively correlated with the Framingham and Adult Treatment Panel IV scores (r = −0.4 and P < 0.05 for both).ConclusionsAdiponectin is shown as one of the mechanisms by which ω-3 improves cardiometabolic profile in persons with cardiovascular risk. Moreover, the benefit varies according to the adiponectin basal level and adiponectin variation after supplementation.