Essential Amino Acids and Phytosterols promote Improvements in Metabolic Risk Factors in Overweight Individuals with Mild Hyperlipidemia RH Coker1,2, F Wolfe2, SL Miller2 Center for Alaska Native Health Research1, Institute for Arctic Biology, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska; Essential Blends2, LLC, Sterling, Alaska Abstract Background: Hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance have become quite common, and represent risk factors in the development of metabolic syndrome. The transition away from subsistence foods to processed foods may be implicated in this trend. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation in lowering atherogenic blood lipids, and phytosterols may augment their effectiveness in protecting against the onset of metabolic diseases. Objective: We hypothesized EAA’s and phytosterols would facilitate improvements in plasma lipids and insulin sensitivity in adults with mild hypertriglyceridemia. Design: We enrolled 9 subjects who were 50 years or older, had a documented plasma TG >150 mg/dl, and had not recently taken statin medications (within 6 weeks). These individuals performed an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) before and after 4 weeks of thrice-daily (TID) consumption of EAAs and phytosterols. Results: Atherogenic blood lipids decreased significantly in all volunteers. In six of the nine subjects, plasma triglycerides fell by 95±13 mg/dl. Insulin sensitivity was improved by EAA/phytosterol supplementation. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation of leucine/EAAs and phytosterols may promote favorable reductions of blood lipids and insulin resistance in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia. Methods Screening: We recruited and enrolled males and females with hypertriglyceridemia (>150 mg/dl, aged 50 years and older), and of all races and ethnic backgrounds. Once informed consent was obtained, demographics, anthropometrics, vital signs, and a fasting blood sample was collected. All procedures were approved in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation. Studies One and Two: Prior to and immediately following four weeks of EAA/Phytosterol TID supplementation, participants completed an OGTT, body composition analysis, and collection for blood lipids. Supplementation: Participants returned to the study site every week to receive their week’s supply of EAA’s /phytosterol supplementation, to have vital signs measured, to report the occurrence of any adverse events, to have compliance assessed, and to confirm their willingness to continue to participate in the study. Calculations: Whole-body insulin sensitivity was estimated by the insulin sensitivity index (ISI) = 10000/square root of ([fasting glucose x fasting insulin] x [mean glucose x mean insulin during OGTT]). Results We enrolled 12 volunteers, and three subjects dropped out due to their inability to comply with the protocol. Therefore, 9 volunteers (59.8±3.4 years/age) comprised of 4 women and 5 men completed the study. For these individuals, the average weight and BMI was 88.2±1.9 kg, and 28.7±0.8 kg/m2, respectively. There was no change in body weight, and there were no significant changes in fat mass (∆=0.8±0.7 kg), lean body mass (∆=-0.3±0.8 kg), or percent fat (∆=0.1±0.9%). Figures Blood Lipids Glucose Metabolism Figure 1. Supplement-based changes in plasma blood lipids. *Indicates significant reduction from pre- to post-supplementation. Figure 2. Supplement-based changes in insulin sensitivity. *Indicates significant increase from pre- to post-supplementation. Conclusion Four weeks of EAA’s/phytosterol supplementation TID promoted efficacious alterations in plasma lipids and insulin sensitivity without any change in diet or physical activity in individuals at risk for metabolic disease. Introduction We hypothesized that EAAs and phytosterols that are found in subsistence foods would lower triglycerides, cholesterol, total VLDL, and LDL, and improve glucose metabolism in individuals with mild hyperlipidemia. We acknowledge the support of the NIH SBIR GRANT 0-0496870, and we also greatly appreciate the efforts of our participants in this study.