High triglycerides: at risk in the elderly with omega-3 deficiency
High triglycerides: at risk for the elderly with Omega 3 deficiency
As is well known, high triglycerides in the blood are a cardiovascular risk factor. A recent study showed an association between low omega-3 concentrations and higher triglyceride levels, among those over the age of 70. In contrast, seniors with a high Omega-3 Index, a measure of the amount of EPA and DHA in the blood, showed 28 percent lower triglyceride levels than those with a lower index, suggesting the importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids in maintaining good health in later life.
The research was conducted by a group of researchers at the University of Newcastle in Callaghan, Australia, and published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.
High triglycerides, a cardiovascular risk factor
High blood lipid levels are one of the main risk factors contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease. Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by a number of abnormalities in the amounts of lipids in the blood, and they are: hypertriglyceridemia, i.e., high triglycerides relative to baseline values, increased concentrations of "bad cholesterol" (LDL), and low levels of "good cholesterol" HDL. Numerous studies in recent decades have shown that a diet high in saturated fatty acids is the main cause of the dyslipidemia conditions described above. In contrast, the consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, contained mainly in fish, has been shown to act in the opposite way by causing an increase in the size of HDL molecules, and a decrease in triglycerides in the bloodstream, thus reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular disorders.
A low Omega-3 Index is linked to high triglycerides
The purpose of this study was to try to determine an association between the Omega-3 Index, i.e., the percentage of EPA and DHA relative to total fats in red blood cell membranes, and the blood lipid profile in those over the age of 70. Indeed, there is still little research conducted on the elderly and the effects of long-term omega-3 consumption. Data from men and women, Australian, over the age of 70 indicated that triglyceride levels were lower, by up to 28%, in subjects with the highest mean Omega-3 Index value, compared to those with the lowest mean value. EPA and DHA levels in the blood were also found to be associated with a better ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol underscoring the importance of Omega-3s for healthy aging. According to Jessica Ferguson, the researcher who directed the study, this association confirms the prolonged efficacy of the link between omega-3s and triglycerides in plasma, as the Omega-3 Index reflects long-term dietary consumption of omega-3s.
Study details: differences between men and women
To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed data from 276 people with an average age of 77.6 years who participated in a study of health and lifestyle in retirees. The results showed that women had significantly higher Omega-3 Index than men, and that its value was inversely associated with triglyceride concentrations. A positive association between omega-3 levels and HDL good cholesterol was also highlighted. Regarding the differences between men and women, it was observed that the likelihood of having elevated triglyceride levels was higher only in women with the lowest Omega-3 Index. As Jessica Ferguson added, this trend suggests the need for future studies in subgroups of male and female subjects, and may imply recommendations on dietary omega-3 intake that vary by age and sex in order to effectively optimize the hypolipidemic effects of EPA and DHA and maintain a healthy lipid profile. It is possible that the interaction of sex hormones and omega-3 will therefore need to be considered by researchers.
Diet rich in omega-3s reduces cardiovascular risk
According to the scientists who conducted the study, the findings not only confirm the importance of the Omega-3 Index as a risk factor for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults, but also promote the need for studies on the long-term effects of an omega-3-rich diet in the elderly. The results of these studies could support the development of dietary strategies to improve omega-3 levels, promote healthy aging, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Control triglycerides with Omegor supplements
Keeping triglycerides under control is therefore important to safeguard cardiovascular health. There are several dietary supplements produced by U.G.A. Nutraceuticals containing high concentrations of EPA and DHA. The two most important omega-3s contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels when taken in the amount of 2,000 milligrams per day. Meaquor 1000: is a fish oil supplement with a very high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, and is particularly suitable for those who want to maintain normal triglyceride and blood pressure levels. To stay up-to-date on the latest news from Omega-3 scientific research, sign up for our newsletter.
Source: J.J.A. Ferguson, M. Veysey, M. Lucock, S. Niblett, K. King, L. MacDonald-Wicks, M.L. Garg "Association between omega-3 index and blood lipids in older Australians." The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 24/3/2016, Volume 27, Issue, Pages 233-240.
