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Public release date: March 10, 2008
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Mayo Clinic Proceedings Contributors Highlight Research Findings About
Cardiovascular Benefits Associated With Omega-3 Fatty Acids
ROCHESTER, Minn. — Thousands of research studies have documented
how the oils known as omega-3 fatty acids can benefit the
cardiovascular system, particularly among people diagnosed with coronary artery
disease. The incredible volume of research on this topic creates difficulty
for many physicians and patients to stay current with findings and
recommendations related to these oils.
In the March issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, contributors briefly
summarize current scientific data on omega-3 fatty acids and
cardiovascular health, focusing on who benefits most from their protective effects,
recommended guidelines for administration and dosing, and possible
adverse effects associated with their use.
Two omega-3 fatty acids that have been associated with cardiovascular
benefit, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are
found in fish oils. The best source for DHA and EPA are fatty
coldwater fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon and tuna. Fish oil supplements
or algae supplements also can provide omega-3 fatty acids.
Author James O'Keefe, M.D., a cardiologist from the Mid America Heart
Institute in
Kansas City, Mo., cites the results of several large trials that
demonstrated the positive benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids,
either from oily fish or fish oil capsules.
"The most compelling evidence for the cardiovascular benefit provided
by omega-3 fatty acids comes from three large controlled trials of
32,000 participants randomized to receive omega-3 fatty acid supplements
containing DHA and EPA or to act as controls," explains Dr. O'Keefe.
"These trials showed reductions in cardiovascular events of 19 percent
to 45 percent. Overall, these findings suggest that intake of omega-3
fatty acids, whether from dietary sources or fish oil supplements,
should be increased, especially in those with or at risk for coronary artery
disease."
How much fish oil should people attempt to incorporate into their
diets? According to Dr. O'Keefe, people with known coronary artery disease
should consume about 1 gram per day, while people without disease should
consume at least 500 milligrams (mg) per day.
"Patients with high triglyceride levels can benefit from treatment with
3 to 4 grams daily of DHA and EPA," says Dr. O'Keefe. "Research shows
that this dosage lowers triglyceride levels by 20 to 50 percent."
About two meals of oily fish can provide 400 to 500 mg of DHA and EPA,
so patients who need to consume higher levels of these fatty-acids may
choose to use fish oil supplements to reach these targets.
Dr. O'Keefe also notes that research supports the effectiveness of
combining the consumption of fish oil with the use of cholesterol-lowering
medications called statins. Combination therapy with omega-3 fatty
acids and a statin is a safe and effective way to improve lipid levels and
cardiovascular health beyond the benefits provided by statin therapy
alone. Blood DHA and EPA levels could one day be used to identify
patients with deficient levels and to individualize therapeutic
recommendations.
Dr. O'Keefe found little evidence of serious adverse effects associated
with fish oil consumption. "In prospective placebo-controlled trials,
no adverse effects were observed to occur at a frequency of more than 5
percent, and no difference in frequency was noted between the placebo
and omega-3 fatty acid groups," he says.
The most commonly observed side effects include nausea, upset stomach
and a "fishy burp." Taking the supplement at bedtime or with meals,
keeping fish oil capsules in the freezer or using enteric-coated
supplements may help reduce burping and upset stomach symptoms.
A peer-review journal, Mayo Clinic Proceedings publishes original
articles, reviews and editorials dealing with clinical and laboratory
medicine, clinical research, basic science research and clinical
epidemiology. Mayo Clinic Proceedings is published monthly by Mayo Foundation for
Medical Education and Research as part of its commitment to the medical
education of physicians. The journal has been published for more than
80 years and has a circulation of 130,000 nationally and
internationally.
Articles are available online at Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2008-rst/4701.html?src=email-release
# # #
To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to
http://www.mayoclinic.org/news/.
MayoClinic.com is available as a resource
for your health stories.
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