Omega 3 supplements: (many) fewer heart attacks and coronary heart disease thanks to fish oil

The Omega three could decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke in those who eat little fish. This is the hypothesis of a group of Dutch researchers, in a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, showed that it is sufficient to take about 240 milligrams per day of these fatty acids to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by about 50 percent and the risk of heart attack by 38 percent. The results refer to the daily intake of the 2 Omega-3s obtainable through diet:docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) andeicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Omega-3s and heart health

Numerous studies have shown that fatty fish, the main dietary source of Omega-3, is essential to heart health. The positive action carried out by these nutrients takes the form of improved blood fat levels, reduced risk of thrombosis and positive effects on blood pressure, heart rate and vessel function. Due to this series of actions, EPA and DHA have been associated with cardiovascular risk reduction.

Benefits for those who do not eat fish

In the study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers from Wageningen University (Netherlands) analyzed the dose-response relationship between a diet low in fish, EPA, and DHA and the incidence of coronary heart disease and nonlethal myocardial infarction. The study involved 21,342 individuals ranging in age from 20 to 65 years. Analysis of daily fish consumption showed that participants ate amounts of fish ranging from 1.1 to 17.3 grams per day. Over 11.3 years, the researchers recorded 647 deaths, 82 of which were associated with coronary heart disease. 

Among the latter, 64 cases corresponded to heart attacks. The most interesting finding, however, concerns EPA and DHA. Evaluation of the intake of these 2 omega-3s revealed that the highest average consumption was 234 milligrams per day, while the lowest was 40 milligrams per day. Association analysis with heart disease showed that 234 milligrams per day of EPA and DHA was sufficient to reduce the risk of fatal coronary heart disease by 51% compared with that reported by those consuming only 40 milligrams per day. 

The incidence of heart attacks is also significantly reduced by the higher levels of these Omega-3s. In this case, an EPA and DHA intake of 234 milligrams per day corresponds to a 38 percent reduction in their frequency compared with when the daily intake is 40 milligrams. Based on these results, the study authors concluded that in individuals who consume small amounts of fish, increased intake of fish and a mixture of EPA and DHA may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in a dose-dependent manner.

Simple solutions for the heart

According to experts, harnessing these benefits of Omega-3s is a fairly simple undertaking. The market for supplements and supplements enriched with these fatty acids is, in fact, growing steadily.  

Source 

1. de Goede J, Geleijnse JM, Boer JM, Kromhout D, Verschuren WM, "Marine (n-3) fatty acids, fish consumption, and the 10-year risk of fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease in a large population of Dutch adults with low fish intake," J Nutr. 2010 May;140(5):1023-8. Epub 2010 Mar 24