Thrombosis, effectiveness of omega-3 depends on patient's sex

Thrombosis: the strength of omega-3 depends on gender

The effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids against thrombosis differs between men and women. This is shown by a study conducted by researchers at the University of Newscastle in Callaghan and John Hunter Hospital in New Lambton, Australia, coordinated by Monohar Garg, published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Indeed, Omega-3s are able to inhibit platelet aggregation underlying thrombosis. However, the results obtained by Garg and colleagues suggest that interaction with sex hormones generates differences in the way men and women processeicosapentaenic acid (EPA) anddocosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the two Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil. Specifically, Garg explains, while men would benefit most from taking EPA, for women the most useful supplements would be those containing DHA. Consequently, some Omega-3 supplements should be formulated to better meet male and female needs.

The study

Most of the research conducted to date to test the effectiveness of Omega-3s as antiplatelet agents has focused on the use of fish oil containing both EPA and DHA. However, although some studies seem to indicate that men and women respond differently to the action of EPA and DHA, no research has clarified which type of Omega-3 is most effective in preventing thrombosis. 

For this reason, the Australian researchers decided to investigate this further by administering a single dose of EPA and DHA to study participants and monitoring platelet aggregation over the 24 hours following administration. In total, the study involved 30 participants with no particular health problems. The first finding was that both omega-3s reduce platelet aggregation. 

However, closer analysis revealed that while in men EPA is significantly more effective than DHA, in women DHA is significantly more active than EPA. These data confirm the hypotheses made based on the results obtained in previous studies and, the researchers explain, could be explained by the interaction between Omega-3s and sex hormones.

The importance of proper supplementation to protect blood vessels

This finding has significant implications for maintaining cardiovascular health. In fact, platelets, which are essential for wound healing, can form aggregates-or thrombi-that, by clogging blood vessels, impede blood flow. In addition to impeding the proper flow of blood, thrombi can also detach from the vessel wall and, migrating into the lungs, cause a pulmonary embolism, a situation that can seriously compromise the health of those affected, even to the point of becoming fatal. Although pharmacological antiplatelet agents exist, the search for alternative solutions is always on. 

Theusefulness of Omega-3s in these situations had already been suggested by other studies. However, this new research underscores the need for specific formulations for men and women to take full advantage of the beneficial properties of EPA and DHA in the treatment of thrombosis.  

Source 

1. Phang M, Sinclair AJ, Lincz LF, Garg ML, "Gender-specific inhibition of platelet aggregation following omega-3 fatty acid supplementation," Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2010 Aug 11