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Mayo Clinic proceedings highlights research about cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids
March 11, 2008ROCHESTER, 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.
Mayo Clinic
"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.
Mayo Clinic
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Kirkland Signature Natural Fish Oil Concentrate with Omega-3 Fatty Acids-400 Softgels by Omega 3 Fatty Acids Kirkland Signature fish supply comes from deep ocean waters. Our fish oil is not supplied from farm-raised fish. State-of-the-art molecular distillation process is used to remove PCBs and dioxins which guarantees purity and potency. The fish oil is derived from a variety of fish species, to maximize omega-3 fatty acid concentration. Fish Oil naturally contains the Omega-3 Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA. Omega-3 Fatty Acids help maintain heart and vascular health.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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Kirkland Signature Fish Oil w/ Omega-3 Fatty Acids - One Per Day Formula - 180 Enteric Coated Softgels by Omega 3 Fatty Acids The enteric coating reduces the fishy odor and aftertaste by protecting the softgel until it reaches the lower intestine. Kirkland Signature fish supply comes from deep ocean waters. Our fish oil is not supplied from farm-raised fish. State-of-the-art molecular distillation process is used to remove mercury, PCBs and dioxins which guarantees purity and potency. Fish Oil naturally contains the Omega3 Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA. Omega-3 Fatty Acids help maintain heart and vascular health.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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Coromega Omega-3 Supplement, Orange Flavor, Squeeze Packets, 90-Count Box by Coromega Daily dose squeeze packets. A delicious pudding-like alternative to capsules! Coromega provides superior bioavailability. In clinical study, the Omega-3 in Coromega was shown to enter the bloodstream faster at three times the levels of a fish oil product in softgel form. Each packet of Coromega delivers the daily intake levels of Omega-3 EPA and DHA recommended by experts for adults and children. As Pure As It Is Delicious: Coromega contains premium quality fish oil from deep, cold-water fish; molecular distillation assures product purity. To guarantee freshness and potency, our special packaging system protects the delicate Omega-3 EPA and DHA from oxygen and light a concern with Omega-3 products in bottle. Have you had your Coromega today? Guaranteed DHA & EPA Content. Pharmaceutical... |
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Kirkland Signature Natural Fish Oil Concentrate with Omega-3 Fatty Acids-400 Softgels by Kirkland Kirkland Signature fish supply comes from deep ocean waters. Our fish oil is not supplied from farm-raised fish.State-of-the-art molecular distillation process is used to remove PCBs and dioxins which guarantees purity and potency.The fish oil is derived from a variety of fish species, to maximize omega-3 fatty acid concentration.Fish Oil naturally contains the Omega-3 Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA. Omega-3 Fatty Acids help maintain heart and vascular health.**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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alpha betic Omega-3 Softgels, For People With Diabetes (Pack of 2) by Alpha Betic Nutritional Support For Cardiovascular Health. This Highest Quality Omega-3 Cold-Water Fish Oil Is Molecularly Distilled To Be Heavy Metal And Pcb Free, Guaranteed To Contain 18% Efa And 12% Dha Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. Clinical Trials Have Shown That Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Incidence, Reduce Cardiovascular Events And Slow The Progression Of Atheroschlerosis. It'S Particularly Important For People With Diabetes Or Pre-Diabetes To Supplement With A Quality Omega-3 Product Like Alpha Betic Omega-3. |
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