From Inuit to Implementation:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Come of Age
By William S. Harris, Ph.D
ABSTRACT
Over the last 25 years, the cardiovascular effects of marine omega (w)-3 fatty acids have been the subject of increasing investigation. In the late 1970's epidemiological studies revealed that Greenland Inuits had markedly reduced rates of acute myocardial infarction as compared to Western controls. These observations spawned over 4,500 studies to explore this, and other, effects of w-3 fatty acids on human metabolism and health. From epidemiology to cell culture and animal studies, to randomized controlled trials, the cardioprotective effects of w-3 fatty acids are becoming recognized. It now appears that these fatty acids, when incorporated into the diet at levels of about 1 g/day, are able to electrically stabilize myocardial membranes resulting in reduced susceptibility to ventricular dysrhythmias, thereby reducing the risk for sudden death. The recent GISSI-Prevention study with 11,324 patients showed a 45% decrease in risk for sudden cardiac death in the group taking 850 mg/d of w-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids may also be anti-atherogenic, slowing the progression of arterial disease. Higher doses of w-3 fatty acids can lower elevated serum triglyceride levels; in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (greater than 750 mg/dL), 3-5 g/d can reduce levels by 40-50%, minimizing the risk for both CHD and acute pancreatitis. This review summarizes the emerging evidence for the use of w-3 fatty acids in the prevention of CHD.
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