1. The fats of life: the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disease.
- Author
-
Harper CR and Jacobson TA
- Subjects
- Coronary Disease etiology, Eicosapentaenoic Acid administration & dosage, Fish Oils administration & dosage, Humans, Nutrition Policy, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, United States, alpha-Linolenic Acid administration & dosage, Coronary Disease prevention & control, Eicosapentaenoic Acid analogs & derivatives, Fatty Acids, Omega-3 administration & dosage
- Abstract
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.
- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF