Against calcification of arteries a diet rich in fish

Eating more fish fights artery calcification

Eating about 100 grams of fish rich in Omega 3 every day, which is the amount consumed on average by the Japanese, helps prevent calcium deposition in the arteries and protect against heart disease. Indeed, calcifications are an indication of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk.

This is the finding of a study conducted at the University of Pittsburg (USA) and published in the journal Heart.

Arterial calcification: an index of heart disease

Calcification refers to the deposition of calcium on the walls of the arteries and is an indication of coronary artery disease, which is the narrowing or obstruction of the coronary arteries due to the presence of atherosclerotic plaques. This condition increases the risk of heart attack and other cardiac events. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in fish oil have been known for years for their ability to protect against cardiovascular risk by intervening in several mechanisms responsible for the atherosclerotic process. Indeed, high fish consumption, rich in the polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA (eicoisapentenoic acid) and DHA(docosahexaenoic acid), is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, as reported by numerous studies conducted from the 1970s to the present.

Differences in Omega-3 levels

During the study the researchers involved about 300 men between the ages of 40 and 49, both Japanese and white Americans. Examining the subjects' eating habits revealed that the Japanese consumed an average of 100 grams per day of fish, while Americans consumed between 7 and 13 grams, or about one serving per week. The level of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood of the Japanese appeared to be 100 percent higher than that of the Americans.

The scholars examined the incidence of coronary artery calcification and found that among the Japanese this was much lower than among white subjects. Specifically, the ratio of incidence rates between that of Japanese and Americans was 0.321. Even taking into account age, cholesterol level, smoking, blood pressure and diabetes, the difference between the two population groups remained very large. The researchers also found that the difference in blood Omega-3 level and heart disease risk could not be due to genetic characteristics. Japanese American residents showed an even higher level of coronary calcification than the average American.

More fish less calcification of arteries

The results of this study indicate that marine-derived Omega-3s may also play the protective action against heart disease by counteracting arterial calcification when taken in high amounts Previous studies on the relationship between fish oil consumption and heart health have considered lower amounts of fish than those routinely taken by the Japanese population. Thus, the level of Omega-3 recommended to have protection may be higher than that hitherto recommended. 

Source:

Long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and incidence rate of coronary artery calcification in Japanese men in Japan and white men in the USA: population based prospective cohort study." Akira Sekikawa et al " Heart -2013-304421 Published Online First: December 18, 2013