title: Dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake and cardiovascular risk.
abstract: Dietary omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both epidemiologic and interventional studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on many CVD end points, including all CVD (defined as all coronary artery disease [CAD], fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction [MI], and stroke combined), all CAD, fatal and nonfatal MI, stroke, sudden cardiac death, and all-cause mortality. Much of the evidence comes from studies with fish oil and fish; to a lesser extent, data relate to plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids. Cardioprotective benefits have been observed with daily consumption of as little as 25 to 57 g (approximately 1 to 2 oz) of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, an intake equivalent to >or=1 fish meal weekly or even monthly, with greater intakes decreasing risk further in a dose-dependent manner, up to about 5 servings per week. Fish, including farm-raised fish and their wild counterparts, are the major dietary sources of the longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Sources of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts, canola oil, and soybean oil. Because of the remarkable cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids, consumption of food sources that provide omega-3 fatty acids--especially the longer-chain fatty acids (>or=20 carbons) from marine sources--should be increased in the diet to decrease CVD risk significantly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
authors.forename: Tricia L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Psota
authors.forename: Sarah K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Gebauer
authors.forename: Penny
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kris-Etherton
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000592:standards; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3