ω-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Diseases: Effects, Mechanisms and Dietary Relevance

Abstract

ω-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) have, since the 1970s, been associated with beneficial health effects. They are, however, prone to lipid peroxidation due to their many double bonds. Lipid peroxidation is a process that may lead to increased oxidative stress, a condition associated with adverse health effects. Recently, conflicting evidence regarding the health benefits of intake of n-3 from seafood or n-3 supplements has emerged. The aim of this review was thus to examine recent literature regarding health aspects of n-3 FA intake from fish or n-3 supplements, and to discuss possible reasons for the conflicting findings. There is a broad consensus that fish and seafood are the optimal sources of n-3 FA and consumption of approximately 2–3 servings per week is recommended. The scientific evidence of benefits from n-3 supplementation has diminished over time, probably due to a general increase in seafood consumption and better pharmacological intervention and acute treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

An Intravenous Bolus of Epa

“…Reperfusion is known to trigger a severe hemodynamic dysfunction via inflammatory and oxidative stresses (18). Although most clinical trials have shown Omega-3 supplementation in secondary prevention to be beneficial on the cardiovascular outcome, reducing coronary events and mortality, their clinical benefit remains controverted (11).…”

Influence of feeding stearidonic acid (18:4n-3)-enriched soybean oil, as compared to conventional soybean oil, on tissue deposition of very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in meat-type chickens

“…>20 C) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3), are beneficial in the context of lowering cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality (Walker et al, 2013;Maehre et al, 2015). Dietary VLC n-3 supplementation may also improve inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (Calder, 2006;Spite, 2013), cognitive function (Flock et al, 2013;Huhn et al, 2015), and visual acuity of preterm children (Molloy et al, 2012).…”

Comparative Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Ficus capensis, Aristolochia ringens, Albizia zygia and Lannea welwitschii

“…3,4 These alterations lead to the development and progression of chronic diseases, such as metabolic, neurological, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer. 3,[5][6][7] In addition to the constituents with antioxidant activity, antimicrobial phytoconstituents are of interest because of problems of antibiotic resistance associated with the existing drugs. [8][9][10] In addition,…”