LINSEED TRIAL IN HYPERLIPIDEMIC PATIENTS Background- Hyperlipidemia is an important cause of coronary artery diseases. Linseed contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, and it has a major role in lowering serum lipid levels. This study evaluated the effect of linseed powder in patients who did not respond to regular diet regimens. Methods-We conducted an interventional study (before and after) of 56 patients with hyperlipidemia that had not responded to a 3-month regular diet and had serum levels of total cholesterol >240 or TG>300 or LDL>160 or HDL<30 (mg/dl). We prepared the dose of 6 gr/day of linseed powder in the form of a biscuit and gave it to the patients for 3 months plus their regular diet regimen. The serum levels of lipids were measured before and after the 3-month intervention program. The data were analyzed using SPSS software with paired Hest. Results- The mean (±SD) of serum level of total cholesterol before treatment was 258 (±55.59) mg/dl and afterwards was 232.05 (±41.47) mg/dl (P=0.0001). The mean serum triglyceride level before and after treatment was 289.92 (±126.57) mg/dl, and 225.07 (±82.58), respectively (P=0.0001). Also, the mean serum LDL decreased from 173.82 (±52.87) to 141.12 (±39.94) mg/dl (P=0.0001). However, no significant difference on HDL levels was found before and after intervention (43.89 (±25.66) vs. 43.53 (±13.84), P=0.85). Overall, the linseed powder regimen for 3 months decreased the total cholesterol by 10.2%, serum triglyceride by 22.33% and LDL cholesterol level by 18.8%. HDL level increased by 1.45%. Conclusion- Linseed powder plus regular diet decreased the lipoprotein levels significantly. Thus, we recommend roughly 6 gr. daily consumption of linseed as a compliment of regular diet regimen in lowering the level of serum lipids.
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