Lee Swanson Research Update

Omega-3 Capacity to Reduce Blood Vessel Stiffness 'Scientifically Supported'

July 2011

A new Australian review of the scientific literature reveals that omega-3 fatty acids offer a "scientifically supported means of reducing arterial stiffness."

According to findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition, analysis of data from 10 clinical trials revealed that omega-3 fatty acids were associated with an improvement of both pulse wave velocity (PWV) and arterial compliance, both of which are measures of the stiffness of arteries.

"The findings of the present study reveal that supplementation with omega-3 offers a scientifically supported means of reducing arterial stiffness," wrote researchers from the National Institute of Complementary Medicine’s Centre for Study of Natural Medicines and Neurocognition in Australia. "Reduction in arterial stiffness by omega-3 may account for some of its purported cardioprotective effects."

The heart-health benefits of consuming oily fish, and the omega-3 fatty acids they contain, are well documented, being first reported in the early 1970s by Dr. Jorn Dyerberg and his co-workers in The Lancet and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. To date, the polyunsaturated fatty acids have been linked to improvements in blood lipid levels, a reduced tendency to thrombosis, blood pressure and heart rate improvements, and improved vascular function.

Beyond heart health, omega-3 fatty acids, most notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including good development of a baby during pregnancy, joint health and improved behavior and mood.

Led by Matthew Pase, the reviewers conducted the first meta-analysis to examine the effects of omega-3 supplementation on the stiffness of arteries. The literature yielded 10 randomized and controlled adult human clinical trials. Four trials measured pulse wave velocity and six measured arterial compliance.

"Meta-analysis revealed that omega-3 was statistically significant in effectively improving both PWV and arterial compliance," wrote the researchers.

A recent article, also published in the British Journal of Nutrition, concluded that daily doses of omega-3s of at least 250 mg are required to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death and other heart conditions.

A dose of at least 250 mg of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCFA), EPA and DHA, was associated with a 35% reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death.

In addition, such doses were associated with a "near significant" 17% decrease in the risk of "total fatal coronary events," according to a team of researchers from academia and industry.

"Thus, the intake of 250 mg of omega-3 LCFA per day may, indeed, be a minimum target to be achieved by the general population for the promotion of cardiovascular health," wrote authors led by Kathy Musa-Veloso from Cantox Health Sciences International.

British Journal of Nutrition; Published online ahead of print.

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