Erythrocyte odd-chain fatty acids and the risk of cardiometabolic diseases: a prospective study and updated meta-analysis

Journal article

Lay Summary: This study underscores the potential for odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs) 15:0 and 17:0 in cardiometabolic diseases, particularly in Asian populations where OCFAs were correlated with dietary fiber and fish besides dairy as indicated in Western populations with high dairy products. Clinically, these OCFAs could aid in risk stratification and dietary interventions, potentially guiding personalized nutrition to mitigate CMD risks. Key findings include the following:In Chinese with low dairy intake, our new evidence shows that OCFAs might serve as biomarkers of dietary fiber and fish intake besides dairy as indicated in Western studies with populations consumed high dairy products. Our findings suggest that erythrocyte 17:0 and/or 15:0 are associated with low risk of IHD and diabetes in the Asian population with varying dairy intake. OCFAs might serve as modifiable biomarkers for nutritional assessment, and their association with lower risk suggests their dietary sources are important to promote cardiometabolic health with diverse dietary sources. Meta-analysis supports the universal applicability of OCFAs as biomarkers, indicating their role in global health strategies. The modifiable features of OCFAs may offer a novel intervention strategy targeted raising their levels in high CMD risk population.

Authors: Sun, L; Xu, X; Du, H; Lu, L; Imamura, F

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Journal: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
• Article number: zwaf601
• Publication date: 2025-09-24
• Acceptance date: 2025-09-10
• DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf601
• EISSN: 2047-4881
• ISSN: 2047-4873
• Language: English
• Keywords: Diet; Meta-analysis; Cardiometabolic diseases; Prospective Study; Fatty acid