5. Conclusions
Our data show that a daily intake of approx. 25 g linseed oil (≙ approx. 15 g ALA) leads to a significant increase in EPA concentrations and a simultaneous decrease in DHA concentrations in erythrocyte lipids. The increase in EPA was significantly stronger in individuals with a lower EPA status at baseline (<0.9% FAME), highlighting that converting ALA to EPA is more efficient in participants with low EPA. In contrast to most previous findings, we did not find a more efficient conversion of ALA to EPA in women, possibly because our female participants were in menopause. Our data suggest that a high LA status attenuates the conversion of ALA. The micronutrient status seems to have no clear effect on conversion from ALA to EPA or DHA.The absence of effects on blood lipids, markers of glucose metabolism, and fatty acid distribution in erythrocyte lipids supports the hypothesis of lacking compliance with the menu plans. The fact that no apparent effects on blood lipids and further cardiovascular risk factors were achieved by linseed oil supplementation alone is in line with the literature since effects were not consistently visible.