Improvement of the plasma and erythrocytes lipid profile in overweight/obese and dyslipidemic patients after consumption of a naturally pufa-enriched cheese

Background and objectives: Obesity is considered a key factor in a vast array of diseases. There are evidences associating the PUFA-enriched diets with a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this sense, there is much interest in adding value to dairy products by naturally increasing the PUFA levels. Within the context, a PUFA-enriched low fat cheese was elaborated (Lactalis Iberia) from ruminant milks whose diet included a commercial linseed supplement (Lodyn S.L). A balanced hypocaloric diet including the consumption of this functional cheese for its potential benefits by overweight/ obese and dyslipidemic patients, was analyzed. Our aim was to assess the effect of the functional cheese intake, through the changes in the lipid composition of plasma and erythrocytes from volunteers and identify potential health biomarkers. Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed. Sixty two overweight/obese and dyslipidemic volunteers were randomly assigned to receive during 12-wk a 60 g/day intake of Light Cheese (LC) or Light Functional Cheese (LFC). Lipids from plasma and erythrocytes were derivatized by a direct transmethylation procedure. Lipid profile was thoroughly monitorized by GLC-MS. Results: The dietary–induced changes in the FA composition of plasma and erythrocyte were similar. In volunteers consuming LFC, the levels of myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids significantly decreased. This is interesting since C14:0 and C16:0 are considered to be cholesterol-raising and are associated with the increased incidence of CVD. A major increase in the PUFA content, correlated with the higher amount of linoleic acid (C18: 2), was also detected. An enhancement in oleic acid (C18:1c9) level, occurred in erythrocytes but not in plasma. Conclusions: The LFC intake improves the FA composition of plasma and erythrocytes from overweight/obese and dyslipidemic patients.