DHA & Omega-7’s Synergistic Effects on Cholesterol
A groundbreaking study published this month in the distinguished journal Food & Function showcases the remarkable synergy between DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from algal oil and omega-7 from sea buckthorn oil in combating hyperlipidemia—a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Exploring the Potent Combination of Omega-3 and Omega-7
The study utilized a high-fat diet-induced mouse model to delve into the impacts of these oils on lipid profiles, inflammation, and oxidative stress—key components in the development of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders.
Synergistic Benefits Beyond Expectations
While DHA is well-known for its cardiovascular benefits, including reducing triglycerides and enhancing overall heart health, omega-7 fatty acids, primarily sourced from sea buckthorn oil, are less commonly studied but show significant potential. Among more than 400 fatty acids tested, Omega-7 might be "the only fatty acid that could substantially change serum fatty acid composition in relation to alterations in lipid metabolism in adipose tissue." This recognition underlines the unique role Omega-7 plays in improving lipid metabolism and reducing inflammation. The research demonstrates that when these fatty acids are combined, their beneficial effects are not merely additive but synergistic, amplifying the health benefits significantly:
Enhanced Lipid Profile Management: The combination of DHA and sea buckthorn oil resulted in significantly better improvements in serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) compared to using each oil individually.
Major Reduction in Liver Fat: Notably, this combined therapy markedly alleviated hepatic steatosis, where fat builds up in the liver—a frequent complication of hyperlipidemia.
Stronger Anti-inflammatory Response: The dual use of DHA and omega-7 significantly lowered levels of inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6, showcasing a more potent anti-inflammatory response that is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with chronic hyperlipidemia.
Reduced Oxidative Stress: The synergistic use of both oils also showed a greater reduction in oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA), while boosting antioxidant levels such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), providing a more robust defense against the oxidative damage that often accompanies metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Action
The study attributes the impressive synergistic effects to multiple mechanisms, particularly through the activation of the PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1/ABCG1 signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in regulating lipid metabolism and promoting cholesterol efflux from cells to prevent plaque formation in arteries.
These exciting findings open up new avenues for using natural supplements to manage hyperlipidemia and its associated conditions. The combination of DHA and omega-7 offers a promising alternative to traditional medications, which can come with side effects and high costs. This natural approach not only promises to improve lipid profiles but also enhances overall metabolic health through its comprehensive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
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Reference
Li, J. et al. (2025) ‘The comparative effects of ω-7 fatty acid-rich sea buckthorn oil and ω-3 fatty acid-rich dha algal oil on improving high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia’, Food & Function [Preprint]. doi:10.1039/d4fo04961f.