Research is showing that the oils contained in fish (as well as in some plant foods)—known as omega-3 fatty acids—may have several health benefits, especially for the heart.
Here’s what the research says about omega-3 fatty acids and tips for how you can incorporate these healthful fats into your diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a particular type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, which, unlike artery-clogging saturated fats, are considered healthful. The term “omega-3” refers to their chemical structure.
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and have been linked in the scientific literature with several health benefits, such as improving the symptoms of arthritis and preventing recurrence of glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney disease). Research is ongoing regarding benefits for mental health conditions, including mild depression, ADHD, and PMS. The strongest evidence to date has to do with omega-3's protective effects on the cardiovascular system.
Two omega-3 fatty acids in particular, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are found predominantly in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines, have been linked with improving cardiovascular health. They appear to make blood platelets less “sticky,” thereby reducing the risk of blood clots that could lead to heart attack or stroke.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), omega-3 fatty acids may have the following beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system:
A large US study of more than 84,000 women, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association , found that women who ate fish five or more times per week had a 34% lower risk of coronary heart disease compared with women who ate fish less than once a month. Women who ate fish two to four times per week experienced a similar benefit, with a 31% lower risk.
In an Australian study, researchers gave patients with high cholesterol either EPA and DHA supplements or placebo for 7 weeks, and found that those taking the supplements experienced significant improvement in the elasticity of their arteries (improved elasticity means less chance of blockages). Evidence through 2005 clearly establishes the benefits of increased omega-3s in persons at high risk for coronary heart disease.
Newer research also suggests that omega-3s may be beneficial in reducing the risk of serious heart arrhythmias in persons predisposed to these. In fact, most studies of the use of omega-3s show that treatment is more effective at reducing sudden death and overall mortality after heart attack than it is in reducing recurrent heart attack events.
Fish and fish oil supplements are not the only sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Some plant foods contain a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is converted to EPA and DHA in the body. The plant sources richest in ALA include the following:
Since 2000, the AHA has been recommending that healthy people eat at least two servings (3 ounces each) of fish per week. In 2002, they issued further recommendations for intake of omega-3 fatty acids for the following populations:
People without documented coronary heart disease should eat a variety of fish at least twice a week and include sources of ALA in the diet as well.
People with documented coronary heart disease should consume approximately 1 gram of EPA and DHA per day, preferably from fatty fish, or from supplements after consultation with a physician.
People who need to lower their triglycerides should consume 2 to 4 grams of EPA and DHA per day from supplements (because this amount is difficult to get just from eating fish), under the guidance of a physician.
The FDA approved one formulation of EPA/DHA for prescription in the US: Omacor. Currently, EPA/DHA from fish oil is also available in numerous concentrations in pharmacies and health food stores.
Eating more fish and omega-3 fatty acids is a good idea for most people, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Finally, it’s important to remember that the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are likely to be less pronounced if they aren’t part of an overall diet that is healthful.
RESOURCES
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/
References
Harper CR, Jacobson TA. The fats of life. Arch Int Med . 2001;161:2185-2192.
Hu FB, Bronner L, Willett WC, et al. Fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake and risk of coronary heart disease in women. JAMA . 2002;287:1815-1821.
Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ, et al. Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease [AHA Scientific Statement]. Circulation . 2002;106:2747-2757.
Nestel P, Shige H, Pomeroy S, et al. The n-3 fatty acids eicosapentanoic acid and docosahexanoic acid increase systemic arterial compliance in humans. Am J Clin Nutr . 2002;76:326-330.
Jacobson TA. Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease with omega-3 fatty acids. Am J Cardiol. 2006;98(4A):61i-70i.
Leaf A, Albert CM, et al. Fatty Acid Antiarrhythmia Trial Investigators. Prevention of fatal arrhythmias in high-risk subjects by fish oil n-3 fatty acid intake. Circulation. 2005;112(18):2762-2768.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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