AHA Makes Omega-3 Intake Recommendations

DALLASThe American Heart Association (AHA) for the fist time is recommending Americans boost their consumption of omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to combat elevated triglyceride levels and increase heart health.

The AHA statement was published in the journal Circulation and suggests optimization of nutrition-related practices can result in a marked triglyceride-lowering effect that ranges between 20 percent and 50 percent by cutting carbohydrates, eliminating trans fats, restricting fructose and increasing fiber and omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources.

AHA recommended 0.5 to 1g of omega-3 EPA and DHA for individuals with borderline fasting triglyceride levels (150 to 199mg/dL), 1 to 2g for individuals with high fasting-triglyceride levels (200 to 499mg/dL), and 2 to 4g for individuals with very high fasting-triglyceride levels (≥500mg/dL). AHA previously recommended normal healthy individuals consume a variety of fish and a daily intake of 1g of omega-3 EPA and DHA for patients with documented coronary heart disease (CHD).

According to the statement, because the amount needed for significant triglyceride lowering (2 to 4 g) is difficult to attain through diet alone on a daily basis, dietary supplements may be needed.

The recent statement issued by AHA is a very positive step for improving consumers' understanding of the role of triglycerides in CVD management," according to a statement released by Ocean Nutrition Canada Limited (ONC), Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The company noted awareness of the health benefits of omega-3 is high among consumers, but many still do not understand the different forms of omega-3 (EPA, DHA and ALA), or the health benefits of each.

It is important for consumers to understand that fish provides both EPA and DHA, whereas most algae sources provide only DHA," ONC added. Furthermore, while ALA is an essential fatty acid, many of the reported health benefits associated with omega-3 have been the result of supplementation with EPA and DHA. While the body can theoretically convert ALA into EPA and DHA, the actual conversion rate is very low. In fact, many studies suggest that the conversion rate can be as low as 1 percent or less.  As such, fish, fish oil supplements, and food products fortified with fish oil are the best sources of omega-3 for consumers"