Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). High Lp(a) levels increase a person’s risk for atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. A recent study found that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) both reduce Lp(a) concentrations in healthy men, but ALA is more effective at lowering cholesterol.

The study involved 130 men enrolled in an ongoing cohort study in Finland. Researchers provided the participants with diets enriched in either ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid, or LA, an omega-6 fatty acid, for eight weeks.

They found that serum Lp(a) concentrations dropped 7.3% among those who ate the ALA-rich diet and 9.5% among those who ate the LA-rich diet. Reductions were greater among those with higher baseline Lp(a) concentrations. However, those who ate the ALA diet experienced greater reductions in LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and other cholesterol components. Whether the participants carried the FADS1 rs174550 genotype did not influence their response to the diets.

The FADS1 rs174550 is a genetic variant that influences the body’s ability to convert certain fatty acids. This variant can affect how efficiently omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are metabolized, potentially influencing lipid levels and overall health.

These findings suggest that ALA and LA exert similar Lp(a)-lowering effects, but ALA may be more effective at lowering cholesterol and other atherogenic factors. Learn more about Lp(a) in this Q&A featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.