The effect of cod liver oil and corn oil on platelets and vessel wall in man
Brox, J.H.; Killie, J.E.; Gunnes, S.; Nordøy, A.
Thrombosis and Haemostasis 46(3): 604-611
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0340-6245 PMID: 7031981 Document Number: 176242
Greenland Eskimos have a low incidence of coronary heart disease and prolonged primary bleeding time. The traditional Eskimo diet, with a high lipid content, rich in fatty acids of the W-3 family, was related to these observations. Healthy male subjects (10) on an ordinary diet were given a daily dietary supplement of 25 ml cod liver oil (CLO) or corn oil (CO) for periods of 6 wk in a crossover study. Significant changes were observed in the plasma total fatty acid composition. The main platelet phospholipid fractions were significantly altered, particularly by CLO with an increase of the eicosapentanoic acid (EPA): arachidonic acid (AA) ratio. Both supplements reduced collagen-induced platelet aggregation and TXB2 F1.alpha. from vein tissues were found, and the total urinary excretion of PG metabolites (E and F series) remained unchanged.