N/A
Completed N=20
Effect of an Alpha-linolenic Acid-rich Supplement on Ketogenesis and Plasma Fatty Acids
Healthy
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02410161 ↗
Enrolled (actual)
20
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Feb 2019
Primary outcomePrimary: Ketone Production — 217.71; 187.48 µmol/L
Summary
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.
Outcome Measures
| Outcome | Result | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY Ketone Production |
217.71; 187.48 | — |
| SECONDARY Plasma Glucose |
4.75; 5.46 | — |
| SECONDARY Plasma Triglycerides |
0.97; 1.81 | — |
| SECONDARY Plasma Free Fatty Acids |
0.48; 0.55 | — |
| SECONDARY Insulin Concentration in Plasma |
10.48; 14.87 | — |
Eligibility Criteria
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
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02410161). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication. Informational only — not medical advice.