Introduction: This is a preliminary result of an on-going randomised cross-over trial to
compare the effects of consuming yellowstripe scad (YSS) and salmon, both rich in omega-3
fatty acids, on lipid profile, fasting glucose, body weight status, and blood pressure among
healthy overweight adults.
Methods: Fifty healthy overweight Malaysians aged 21-55 years
were recruited voluntarily through advertisements. During the first period of intervention,
subjects were randomised equally to receive eight weeks of either steamed whole YSS fish
(YSS group) or salmon fillet (salmon group), three days per week, obtaining approximately
7000 mg EPA+DHA per week. The diets were switched after an eight-week washout
period. Lipid profile, fasting glucose, body mass index, and blood pressure were evaluated
before and after each intervention period.
Results: The mean ages of YSS group (n=25)
and salmon (n=25) group were 30.6±9.1 and 27.9±7.1 years respectively. Both groups had
no statistically significant differences on socio-demographic characteristics (p>0.05). After
the first intervention period, there was a significant increase in total cholesterol within
the YSS group (p0.05). Both YSS and salmon
groups had significantly higher HDL-cholesterol levels after 8 weeks compared to baseline
(p0.05). However, there was a significant effect of time on
diastolic blood pressure (p