The fats of life: the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disease.
Epidemiological and clinical trial evidence suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) might have a significant role in the prevention of coronary heart disease. Dietary sources of omega-3 PUFA include fish oils rich in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid along with plants rich in alpha-linolenic acid. Randomized clinical trials with fish oils (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) and alpha-linolenic acid have demonstrated reductions in risk that compare favorably with those seen in landmark secondary prevention trials with lipid-lowering drugs. Several mechanisms explaining the cardioprotective effect of omega-3 PUFAs have been suggested, including antiarrhythmic, hypolipidemic, and antithrombotic roles. Although official US guidelines for the dietary intake of omega-3 PUFAs are not available, several international guidelines have been published. Fish is an important source of omega-3 PUFAs in the US diet; however, vegetable sources, including grains and oils, offer an alternative source for those who are unable to regularly consume fish.
Harper
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Department of Medicine, Emory University, Thomas Glenn Building, 69 Butler St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
Jacobson
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D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014481:United States; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; C419487:eicosapentaenoic acid diester; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid