Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and cardiovascular disease.
Epidemiological studies on Greenland Inuits in the 1970s and subsequent human studies have established an inverse relationship between the ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids [C(20-22) ω 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)], blood levels of C(20-22) ω 3 PUFA, and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). C(20-22) ω 3 PUFA have pleiotropic effects on cell function and regulate multiple pathways controlling blood lipids, inflammatory factors, and cellular events in cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells. The hypolipemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic properties of these fatty acids confer cardioprotection. Accordingly, national heart associations and government agencies have recommended increased consumption of fatty fish or ω 3 PUFA supplements to prevent CVD. In addition to fatty fish, sources of ω 3 PUFA are available from plants, algae, and yeast. A key question examined in this review is whether nonfish sources of ω 3 PUFA are as effective as fatty fish-derived C(20-22) ω 3 PUFA at managing risk factors linked to CVD. We focused on ω 3 PUFA metabolism and the capacity of ω 3 PUFA supplements to regulate key cellular events linked to CVD. The outcome of our analysis reveals that nonfish sources of ω 3 PUFA vary in their capacity to regulate blood levels of C(20-22) ω 3 PUFA and CVD risk factors.
Nutrition Program, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. Donald.Jump@oregonstate.edu
Donald B
DB
Jump
Christopher M
CM
Depner
Sasmita
S
Tripathy
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3