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Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors
Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Advice on
Use Presented by Mayo Clinic
Thousands of studies have documented the
cardiovascular benefits
 March 10, 2008 – Thousands of studies have
documented the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. The March
issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings wades through the data to provide
physicians and consumers with the current findings and recommendations
related to these oils.
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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.
Fish are best source but supplements work
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 Should You Take
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. (Note: 1 gram is 1000 mg)
“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.
Combine Fish Oil with Statins
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.
Editor’s Notes:
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
www.mayoclinicproceedings.com.
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