AHA Report Supports Heart-Healthy Benefits of Omega-3s

DALLAS--A comprehensive report on marine- and plant-sourced omega-3 fatty acids supported the recommendation made by the American Heart Association (AHA) Dietary Guidelines 2000 to consume at least two servings of fish per week, according to AHA authors led by Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., R.D. The authors--whose review was published in the Nov. 19 issue of Circulation (106, 21:2747-57, 2002) (circ.ahajournals.org)--concluded their findings by noting a food-based approach to increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acids is preferable to taking supplements. However, they also stated that patients with coronary artery disease require a higher dosage than healthy people, and that dosage may not be attainable through diet alone.

In their review of current omega-3 research, Kris-Etherton and colleagues uncovered epidemiological and clinical evidence that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease, and individuals at risk of heart disease benefit from the consumption of plant- and marine-based omega-3s. Authors also noted that while the ideal intake amounts are unclear based on current evidence, beneficial doses of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) seem to range from .5 g/d to 1.8 g/d, and doses for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from 1.5 g/d to 3 g/d.

Authors also noted randomized, controlled trials have shown omega-3s to protect against cardiac events, including death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and nonfatal stroke, as well as decrease the progression of atherosclerosis. However, they noted additional studies are needed to confirm and further define the heart-health benefits of omega-3s.

In terms of safety, authors stated that depending on their stage of life, consumers need to be aware of both the benefits and risks of eating fish. Children, and pregnant and nursing women may be at increased risk of exposure to excessive mercury from fish but are also generally at low risk for cardiovascular disease. Thus, avoiding potentially contaminated fish is a higher priority for these groups, Kris-Etherton said in a press release from AHA.

For middle-aged and older men, and postmenopausal women, the benefits of eating fish far outweigh the risks when consumed at levels within the established guidelines. "This is hopeful news, as we have found that the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on heart disease risk is seen in relatively short periods of time," she said. "The research shows that all omega-3 fats have cardioprotective benefits, especially those in fish."