Omega -3 Fatty Acids and Cardioprotection
According to a recent publication by the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2008, omega-3 fatty acids play a compelling role in cardioprotective events. The most compelling evidence comes from 3 large controlled trials of 32,000 participants randomized to receive either omega -3 fatty acid supplements containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) or to act as controls. These studies showed a reduction of cardiovascular events between 19% and 49%.
The American Heart Association (AHA) currently recommends the consumption of oily fish as the preferable option for the source of omega-3 fatty acids, but also state that capsule form is acceptable as well. AHA recommends fish oil, or omega-3 fatty acids, in the amount of 1 g per day. The amount recommended is actually based on your risk profile and anything over 3 grams per day should be physician supervised. This is the first time the AHA has recommended a nutritional supplement for heart disease.
Recently the FDA approved an omega -3 fatty acid ester formulation at a dosage of 4 g/d to treat high triglyceride levels. One of the FDA approved drugs is called Lovaza and another is Omacor (available by prescription only). However, this report concludes that many physicians are still confused about the appropriate form, dosage, indications, etc. of omega-3 fatty acids to use despite all the research and government backing/approval.
Fish oils appear to work by enrichment of the membrane phospholipids. By doing this they are able to also increase arrhythmic thresholds, reduce blood pressure, improve arterial and endothelial function, reduce platelet aggregation and favorably affect the autonomic tone.
The study further states that the target dosage of EPA and DHA are 1 g per day for those individuals with known coronary events and 500 mg/d for those without disease. Patients with hypertriglyceridemia should consume 3-4 g of DHA and EPA, a dosage which lowers triglycerides by about 20- 50%.
Mayo Clinic states that combination therapy with omega-3 fatty acids and statin drugs are a safe and effective way of improving lipid levels while positively affecting cardioprotective profiles beyond what statin therapy could provide alone.
In conclusion, omega-3 fatty acids have a cardioprotective effect and should be recommended either alone or with a statin drug to improve risk profiles and reduce the incidence of heart disease.
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
