Fish consumption among healthy adults is associated with decreased levels of inflammatory markers related to cardiovascular disease - The ATTICA study

OBJECTIVES The aim of this work was to investigate the association between fish consumption and levels of various inflammatory markers among adults without any evidence of cardiovascular disease. BACKGROUND Fish consumption has been associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease, but the mechanisms have not been well understood or appreciated. METHODS The ATTICA study is a cross-sectional survey that enrolled 1,514 men (age 18 to 87 years) and 1,528 women (age 18 to 89 years) from the Attica region, Greece. Of them, 5% of men and 3% of women were excluded due to a history of cardiovascular disease. Among others, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, serum amyloid A (SAA), and white blood cells (WBC) were measured, and dietary habits (including fish consumption) were evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 88% of men and 91% of women reported fish consumption at least once a month. Compared to non-fish consumers, those who consumed > 300 g of fish per week had on average 33% lower CRP, 33% lower IL-6, 21% lower TNF-alpha, 28% lower SAA levels, and 4% lower WBC counts (all p < 0.05). Significant results were also observed when lower quantities (150 to 300 g/week) of fish were consumed. All associations remained significant after various adjustments were made. CONCLUSIONS Fish consumption was independently associated with lower inflammatory markers levels, among healthy adults. The strength and consistency of this finding has implications for public health and should be explored further. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2005-,46:120-4) (c) 2005 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.