Effect of long-term olive oil dietary intervention on postprandial triacylglycerol and factor VII metabolism

Roche, H. M., Zampelas, A., Knapper, J. M. E., Webb, D., Brooks, C., Jackson, K. G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0070-3203, Wright, J. W., Gould, B. J., Kafatos, A., Gibney, M. J. and Williams, C. M. (1998) Effect of long-term olive oil dietary intervention on postprandial triacylglycerol and factor VII metabolism. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 68. pp. 552-560. ISSN 0002-9165

Abstract/Summary

Although the beneficial effects of Mediterranean-type diets, which are rich in olive oil, a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), are generally accepted, little is known about the effects of long-term dietary MUFA intake on postprandial lipoprotein metabolism and hemostasis. This study used a single-blind, randomized, crossover design to investigate the relative effects of a long-term dietary olive oil intervention and a control [saturated fatty acid (SFA)-enriched] diet on postprandial triacylglycerol metabolism and factor VII activity. The postprandial response to a standard test meal was investigated in 23 healthy men who adhered to both diets for 8 wk. cis-MUFAs were successfully substituted for SFAs in the MUFA diet without affecting total dietary fat or energy intakes. The long-term dietary MUFA intervention significantly reduced plasma and LDL-cholesterol concentrations (P = 0.01). Postprandial triacylglycerol concentrations were significantly greater in the early postprandial period after the MUFA diet (P = 0.003). Postprandial factor VII activation and the concentration of the factor VII antigen were significantly lower after the MUFA diet (P = 0.04 and P = 0 006, respectively). This study showed that isoenergetic substitution of MUFAs for SFAs reduces plasma cholesterol and reduces the degree of postprandial factor VII activation. The alterations in the postprandial triacylglycerol response suggest a greater rate of dietary fat absorption and postprandial triacylglycerol metabolism after a diet rich in MUFAs. This study presents new insights into the biochemical basis of the beneficial effects associated with long-term dietary MUFA consumption, which may explain the lower rates of coronary mortality in Mediterranean regions.