EFAs Still Prove Heart Healthy

EFAs Still Prove Heart Healthy

SEATTLE--Results from a case-control studyindicated a higher combined dietary intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs)--omega-3sand possibly the omega-6 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)--may lower the risk of fatalischemic heart disease in older adults. The study, conducted by researchers atthe University of Washington, was published in the February issue of TheAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition (77, 2:319-25, 2003) (www.ajcn.org).

Researchers studied a cohort of adults older than 65 years ofage who experienced a fatal myocardial infarction or other ischemic heartdisease death (54 cases) and incident nonfatal myocardial infarction (125 cases)and compared these with 179 matched controls. Researchers analyzed plasmaphospholipid concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in blood samples drawn twoyears before the event. The analysis indicated a higher concentration ofcombined omega-3s--namely, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoicacid)--was associated with a lower risk of fatal ischemic heart disease. Inaddition, a higher concentration of ALA was associated with a lower risk afteradjustment for risk factors.