Effects of Omega-3-Rich Pork Lard on Serum Lipid Profile and Gut Microbiome in C57BL/6NJ Mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of consuming omega-3-rich pork lard on the serum lipid profile and gut microbiome of the mice model. METHODS AND RESULTS: We divided 23 C57BL/6NJ males (16-week-old) into 3 groups, and each group received either a control diet, a high-fat diet of coconut oil (coconut oil), or a high-fat diet of omega-3-rich pork lard (omega lard) for 28 days. Thereafter, fasting serum lipids and fecal microbiomes were analyzed. The serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels of the omega lard-treated group were significantly reduced compared to the coconut oil-treated group (P < 0.05). However, the microbiome analysis revealed a significant increase in the abundance of Lachnospiraceae in the omega lard-treated group compared to the coconut oil-treated group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the increased serum lipid content was positively correlated with the abundance of Bacteroidaceae (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the abundance of Lachnospiraceae (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that omega-3-rich pork lard altered the serum lipid profile and gut microbiome in the mice model. Practical Application. The excellent protection offered by omega-3-rich pork lard against hyperlipidemia indicated that pork lard could be used as alternative cooking oil for health-conscious individuals. It could also be introduced as a functional ingredient for patients with hyperlipidemia.