Discussion
TG, dyslipidemia
DISEASES, DISEASES, CHRONIC DISEASES, DYSLIPIDEMIA
The present randomized double-blind placebo-control study aimed to assess the impact of a functional food enriched with Camelina sativa oil on serum ω-3 concentration, inflammatory markers and serum lipid profile. A significant increase in ALA serum concentration was observed in the camelina group (p <0.01), while no significant difference was detected in EPA, DHA, LA and ARA serum concentrations post-intervention (p > 0.05).Regarding ALA serum concentration in the experimental group, findings confirmed previous studies (Although it is well-known that in the human organism, ALA is converted into EPA and DHA (As reported in the literature (On the other hand a significant mean pro-inflammatory IL-18 plasma concentration decrease in the placebo group, compared to the experimental one, was observed (p <0.05). Moreover, no significant differences in mean TNF-alpha, TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and CRP concentrations post-intervention (p > 0.05) were noted in either group.Omega-3 PUFAs are generally known for promoting the resolution of inflammation(Therefore, the lack of the expected effect of ALA supplementation on inflammatory markers might be explained by the inefficient bioconversion of ALA to EPA and DHA and by the potential competition between ALA and LA for desaturates and elongates (Examining the change in lipid profile, it is noteworthy that a higher reduction of TC, LDL and TG in the experimental group post-intervention occured. Despite the lack of statistical significance, the authors depict some clinical relevance, which need further studies with a larger sample size to increase discussion and understanding of such “bioactive molecules” that could serve as therapeutic adjuvants of dyslipidemia in dietary management. However, the results obtained are not dissimilar to those of other authors (To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that aimed to assess long-chain omega-3 fatty acid serum concentrations, inflammatory markers, and lipid profile modification in free-living older subjects through a functional food (Camelina sativa oil-enriched crackers), instead of pure Camelina oil (On the other hand, a few study limitations need to be acknowledged, including the small sample size and the impact of the COVID-19. Restrictions affected the progress of this research protocol as well as many others that did not relate to COVID-19 research questions, by discouraging participation in the study and increasing dropout. A per protocol analysis, that excludes patients who deviated from the protocol, was used, but even if this can introduce an attrition bias, dropouts and participating patients had similar characteristics.Despite the mixed results and considering the burden of inflammageing as a pivotal role in age-related diseases, the authors draw from this study the stimulus to deepen the knowledge of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically from alternative and plant-based sources. In a context where nutrition and sustainability need to be combined to support the prevention of the most common risk factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in an older population destined to increase, Camelina Sativa oil could represent a promising source of ALA.Evidences have demonstrates that improving intake for certain nutrients may be important in reducing progress of NCDs especially in older population more vulnerable to them, indeed more than 50% older adults have one or more NCDs (In clinical practice the possibility to recommend target tailored foods fortified with bioactive molecules, accessible to all is a primary contributor to a long and productive life (Facilitating healthier and longer living through food and nutrition is not just a health agenda, it is crucial for all the agienig sociaty. Multi-stakeholder collaboration will enable to bring scientific innovations and market opportunities to contribute to the prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, especially in the most vulnerable groups like elderly.Future research should focus on the discovery and enhancement of plant-derived bioactive metabolites also from waste plant products developing sustainable foods for human well-being. Enriched food is a more attractive alternative to improve health within regular meals, than conventional dietary supplements.Thus, in an era in which greater awareness of the role of food and nutrition in human health is being achieved a balanced and varied diet, containing foods rich in bioactive compounds, may play a crucial role in the prevention of chronic diseases mediated by inflammatory processes, bearing the promise to bring nutrition to the forefront of clinical medicine.