Does genetic variation in the D6-desaturase promoter modify the association between a-linolenic acid and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome?1-3

Abstract

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome has been increasing worldwide (1). In the United States the prevalence for the period 1999–2002 was 34.5% (2). Several Latin American countries are experiencing an increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome that is becoming closer to that in the United States. For example, the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a representative sample of 11,550 adults aged 25–64 y living in major cities from Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, and Chile was 20% (range: 14–27%) (3). The collection of metabolic risk factors that define the metabolic syndrome include obesity, high blood pressure and plasma triglyceride concentrations, low HDL cholesterol, and impaired fasting glucose among others.