Less stiff arteries thanks to fish oil supplements

A diet rich in Omega-3s can improve the health of arteries by reducing their stiffness. This was demonstrated by researchers at the University of Reading (UK) in a study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition. Findings from the research show that a fatty meal supplemented with 4.7 grams of Omega-3 EPA and DHA reduces blood vessel stiffness, a risk factor for cardiovascular health.

Arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk

According to the authors, this finding has important implications in the use of these fatty acids to reduce cardiovascular risk. Several studies have associated arterial stiffness withatherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of space within blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is an important cardiovascular risk factor, and arterial stiffness itself has been associated with worse cardiovascular health. This parameter is indicative of decreased distensibility of arteries and is associated with structural changes and epithelial changes in larger vessels, such as the aorta, carotids, and renal arteries. All these changes can have important consequences on the tissues of the heart, brain, and kidneys.

The details of the study

The Reading researchers wanted to assess the immediate effects of dietary Omega-3 intake on arterial stiffness. For this they asked the 25 study participants, 12 men and 13 women, to consume a control meal and a meal enriched with these fatty acids on two different occasions. Arterial stiffness was measured at the beginning of the study and 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after consuming the meal, when 2 different parameters were measured: the augmentation index and the stiffness index. At the same time, blood samples were also taken to assess lipid, sugar and insulin concentrations. It emerged that the Omega-3 rich meal reduced both the rise index and stiffness index compared to the control. The researchers also observed a significant decrease in the concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids in the blood. This is likely caused by increased production of nitric oxide, a molecule with vasodilatory action whose levels may be reduced by these very fatty acids. These effects, the researchers explain, are greater in men than in women.

Omega-3 and heart health

Since the 1970s, numerous research studies have shown that Omega-3s are important for heart health and reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Benefits of consuming these nutrients include improved blood lipid levels, reduced risk of thrombosis, improved blood pressure and heart rate values, and a more efficient vascular system. However, that of the British researchers is the first study to evaluate the effect of EPA and DHA on arterial stiffness in both men and women. According to the authors, since each individual spends most of his or her day in a condition that could be called "after-lunch," the reduction in arterial stiffness observed in this research could have long-term beneficial effects on vessel health and cardiovascular risk.    

Source 

1. Chong MF, Lockyer S, Saunders CJ, Lovegrove JA, "Long chain n-3 PUFA-rich meal reduced postprandial measures of arterial stiffness," Clin Nutr. 2010 Oct;29(5):678-81. Epub 2010 Mar