06 Jul Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Fish May Benefit Those At Risk of CAD

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Marcus E. Kleber
Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology, Hypertensiology, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Rheumatology), Medical Faculty of Mannheim
University of Heidelberg
Mannheim, Germany

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Many epidemiological studies found inverse associations between the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, and cardiovascular disease and mortality. On the other hand, most clinical trials that investigated the effect of omega-3 supplementation on cardiovascular risk failed to show a benefit. Therefore, the role of omega-3 fatty acids is still debated controversially. One problem with clinical trials is that they usually do not screen their participants for their initial omega-3 status. In our study we measured the omega-3 status of our participants using a very reliable and validated method and found an inverse association of EPA and DHA with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: People at medium to high risk for coronary events, like the participants of our study, might benefit by a higher intake of the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. We would recommend that people test their individual omega-3 status. In the case of insufficient concentrations they should consume more fatty fish and consider the intake of dietary supplements.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: For the design of future clinical trials it would be advisable to only include people with an insufficient omega-3 status. Giving people omega-3 supplements whose omega-3 concentration is already in the optimal range will fail to demonstrate any benefit.
Another point for future research would be the possible reverse J-shaped relationship between EPA and mortality. Maybe there is an optimal level of EPA and too much might be harmful but we need larger studies to confirm this.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Atherosclerosis
Available online 1 July 2016
Omega-3 fatty acids and mortality in patients referred for coronary angiography. The Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study
Marcus E. Klebera, Graciela E. Delgadoa,Stefan Lorkowski, Winfried Märza,
Clemens von Schackyf,
doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.06.049

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

More Medical Research Interviews on MedicalResearch.com

[wysija_form id=”5″]

Last Updated on July 6, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD