Lee Swanson Research Update

Soy and Fish Oils Improve Heart Rate Variability

July 2005

fish oil

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids from either fish or soybean oil appears to increase heart rate variability (HRV), a key indicator of cardiovascular health, according to the results of a study published in the April 2005 issue of the journal Chest.

The researchers recruited 58 elderly volunteers from nursing homes and measured their HRV for two months to establish a baseline HRV. The subjects were then divided into two groups that received two grams per day of either fish oil or soy for six months.

Both groups experienced increases in HRV, but the fish oil group saw a quicker and more widespread improvement than the soybean oil group. However, those who received the soybean oil reported fewer side effects like nausea and burping.

Chest 127:1102-1107, 2005

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