Omega 3 Fatty Acids from Fish Oil for Cardiovascular Disease?

Category: Conditions of the Circulatory System , Diet and Nutrition , Dietary Supplements

Past research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids can decrease the risk of sudden death associated with cardiovascular disease. However, there have been no studies that assess the efficacy of omega 3 fatty acids from different sources. Nor is the exact mechanism of these fatty acids fully understood.

The Emory University School of Medicine published a study in the May issue of Chest that tested the efficacy of marine omega 3 fatty acids against plant based omega 3 fatty acids. The primary outcome variable was heart rate variability (HRV).

58 participants in the study were randomized to receive either 2g/day of fish oil or soy oil that were high in omega 3 fatty acids. HRV was assessed at baseline and every other day for 6 months.

Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil resulted in a significant increase in HRV, as did omega 3 fatty acids from soy oil. However, the increase in HRV in the fish oil group was much higher than in the soy group.

The authors conclude that omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils positively affect HRV and may be a possible mechanism for the protective effect against sudden death associated with cardiovascular disease.

Posted by Kristopher Foster on June 9, 2013 11:00 AM