The pivotal role of Omega-3s in the prevention of cardiovascular disease finds further evidence in the latest research from Mayo Clinic, a global center of excellence in this area of study. (1)
The meta-analysis considers all randomized control trials with EPA/DHA administration and cardiovascular outcomes published through August 2019. With the aim of assessing the amounts of EPA and DHA useful for prevention.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are still the leading cause of premature mortality globally, as well as in Europe and Italy. And the World Health Organization (WHO or WHO) predicts its increase, in the years to come. (2)
There are many causes of this type of disease, genetic and behavioral in nature. The main risk factors appear to be:
– Unbalanced diets,
– sedentariness,
– smoking,
– type 2 diabetes. Which in turn, as seen, depends on the first three. (3)
Omega-3 and cardiovascular disease
Omega-3s involved in cardiovascular health are mainly EPA and DHA, contained in foods of marine origin. Fish, seaweed, crustaceans and shellfish. (4) Meta-analysis conducted by the Mayo Clinic correlated marine Omega-3 intakes with prevention of cardiovascular disease outcomes and evaluated their dose-related efficacy.
The review of clinical trials considered the incidence and complications of myocardial infarctions, coronary artery disease, and cardiovascular events (heart attack, angina, stroke, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, unplanned cardiovascular surgery, sudden death). EPA and DHA are useful for CVD prevention, and the effect increases with increasing dose. (1)
Mediterranean diet and prevention
In turn, the Mediterranean diet plays a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. By controlling lipid profiles and blood pressure, gut microbiota health, reported in several randomized clinical trials (PREDIMED, ATTICA). (5)
The Omega-3 intakes offered by regular fish consumption are suitable for promoting the indicated protective effects. Partly because of their combination with other bioactive components contained in the foods that characterize the Mediterranean diet. (6)
Which Omega-3s?
The combination of EPA and DHA, i.e., marine Omega 3s, is indeed able to significantly reduce the risk of adverse outcomes of the various diseases under study, according to the Mayo Clinic researchers. And the protective effect increases with increasing dose (dose-dependence).
Taken individually, EPA appears safer and more related to the protective effect. In fact, DHA can lead, in some cases, to an increase in low-density lipoprotein (better known as LDL, or ‘bad cholesterol’). (7)
Omega-3 and Covid-19, a possible help
The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 may offer help in reducing morbidity and mortality from Covid-19. This is the finding of a recent pilot study, which considered the role of Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) and its derivatives in mitigating inflammatory processes due to cytokines. (8)
Moreover, the scientific literature is well-established on the essential role of Omega 3 in protecting the human body from inflammation and strengthening the immune system. (9)
Dario Dongo and Andrea Adelmo Della Penna
Cover image: see note 10
Notes
(1) Aldo Bernasconi et al. (2020). Effect of Omega-3 dosage on cardiovascular outcomes: An updated meta-analysis and meta-regression of interventional trials. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 1-10, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.08.034
(2) World Health Organization (2017). Cardiovascular diseases – The problem. https://www.who.int/nmh/publications/fact_sheet_cardiovascular_en.pdf
(3) Tzoulaki et al. (2016). Worldwide exposures to cardiovascular risk factors and associated health effects. Circulation 133(23):2314-2333, https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.008718
(4) Rizos et al. (2017). Does supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs add to the prevention of cardiovascular disease? Curr. Cardiol. Rep. 19(6):47, doi:10.1007/s11886-017-0856-8
(5) Casas et al. (2016). Nutrition and cardiovascular health. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 19:3988, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19123988
(6) Scoditti et al. (2014). Vascular effects of the Mediterranean diet – Part II: Role of omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil polyphenols. Vascular Pharmacology 63:127-134, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vph.2014.07.001
(7) Brinton et al. (2017). Prescription omega-3 fatty acid products containing highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Lipids Health Dis. 16(1):23, doi:10.1186/s12944-017-0415-8
(8) Asher et al. (2021). Blood omega-3 fatty acids and death from COVID-19: A pilot study. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 166:102250, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plefa.2021.102250
(9) Dario Dongo, Andrea Adelmo Della Penna. Coronavirus, Omega 3 and the immune system. GIFT(Great Italian Food Trade). 4/13/20, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/salute/coronavirus-omega-3-e-sistema-immunitario
(10) Trevor A. Mori (2018). Marine OMEGA-3 fatty acids in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Phytotherapy, Volume 126, 2018, Pages 8-15, ISSN 0367-326X. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2018.04.003
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
Graduated in Food Technologies and Biotechnologies, qualified food technologist, he follows the research and development area. With particular regard to European research projects (in Horizon 2020, PRIMA) where the FARE division of WIISE Srl, a benefit company, participates.
