Comparison of the Effect of Amaranth Oil vs. Rapeseed Oil on Selected Atherosclerosis Markers in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Cross-Over Trial

It is well known that rapeseed oil improves lipid profile and has antiatherosclerotic properties. Recently, amaranth oil has also become popular due to its potential health benefits. However, the effect of this oil on atherosclerosis markers in humans is not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of amaranth and rapeseed oils on selected atherosclerosis-related parameters in overweight and obese subjects. In this randomized cross-over study, 44 subjects were instructed to consume 20 mL of amaranth oil and rapeseed oil during two consecutive three-week intervention periods separated by a washout period of the same duration as the intervention. The outcome variables included changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, adiponectin, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, apolipoproteins (Apo) A1, B and E as well as glucose and insulin homeostasis markers. Compared to rapeseed oil, amaranth oil had a slight positive effect on adiponectin levels (mean (95% confidence interval): 0.55 (0.22–0.89) vs. -0.29 (−0.75–0.16), p = 0.0002) but negatively affected ApoB concentrations (0.05 (−0.01–0.11) vs. 0.03 (−0.07–0.00), p = 0.0004) and ApoB/A1 ratio (0.01 (−0.03–0.05) vs. −0.02 (−0.04–0.00), p = 0.0113). No differences between the other analyzed parameters were observed. In conclusion, amaranth oil does not have a greater beneficial effect on atherosclerosis markers than rapeseed oil. However, further studies with a longer intervention period are needed. The study was retrospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register within the number: DRKS00014046, date of registration: 3 May 2018.