Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in fish oils, are well known to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. These effects have been related to omega-3 fatty acids’ abilities to reduce cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as their anti-inflammatory effects.
Japan has one of the highest rates of fish consumption in the world, and it has been found to have one of the lowest rates of coronary heart disease mortality among developed countries, likely due to very low population levels of cholesterol. Another important risk factor for cardiovascular disease is the development of atherosclerosis, which is when plaque builds up in arteries. Omega 3 fatty acids may have a role in preventing atherosclerosis, due to their ability to block inflammation.
A recent study examined the associations between n-3 fatty acids and atherosclerosis in Japanese versus white populations in the United States. 926 Japanese, white, and Japanese-American men between the ages of 40-49 years without any severe diseases were assessed for their carotid artery thickness, coronary artery calcification, and levels of serum fatty acids, as well as their intake of marine-derived n-3 fatty acids. The study found that most cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, smoking) were similar or worse in the Japanese population compared to the American population, although Japanese men were significantly less obese than Americans. However, Japanese men had the lowest levels of atherosclerosis and 2-fold higher levels of n-3 fatty acids than the other two populations. These men showed significant inverse associations between omega-3 levels and the prevalence of thickened carotid arteries, which remained significant after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors. Since the Japanese-American men had similar or greater levels of atherosclerosis compared to white Americans, these results are unlikely to be related to genetics alone, and may be related to omega-3 fatty acid consumption.
Previous studies have found that omega-3 supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of nonfatal coronary events, and that very high intakes of omega-3s have anti-atherogenic effects which are independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Those at risk of cardiovascular disease may therefore benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.
Seikikawa et al. Marine-derived n-3 fatty acids and atherosclerosis in Japanese, Japanese-American, and white men: A cross-sectional study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2008;52(6):417-24.
For more information see Omega Cardio or Omega EPA
|
