The pivotal role of Omega-3s in preventing cardiovascular disease is further reflected in the latest research by Mayo Clinic, a global center of excellence in this field of study. (1)
The meta-analysis considers all randomized control clinical trials with EPA / DHA administration and cardiovascular outcomes published up to August 2019. With the aim of evaluating the quantities of EPA and DHA useful for prevention.
Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases (cardiovascular disease, CVDs) still constitute the leading cause of premature mortality globally, as well as in Europe and Italy. And the World Health Organization (WHO or WHO, World Health Organization) expects it to increase in the years to come. (2)
The cause of this type of diseases are many, of a genetic and behavioral nature. The main risk factors appear to be:
- unbalanced diets,
- sedentary lifestyle,
- smoke,
- type 2 diabetes. Which in turn, as seen, it depends on the first three. (3)
Omega-3 and cardiovascular disease
Omega-3s involved in the health of the cardiovascular system are above all EPA and DHA, contained in foods of marine origin. Fish, algae, crustaceans and molluscs. (4) The meta-analysis conducted by Mayo Clinic made it possible to correlate the contributions of marine Omega-3s to the prevention of cardiovascular disease outcomes and to evaluate their effectiveness in relation to doses.
The review of clinical trials considered the incidence and complications of myocardial infarctions, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular events (heart attack, angina, stroke, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, unscheduled cardiovascular surgery, sudden death). EPA and DHA are useful in the prevention of CVD and the effect increases with increasing dose. (1)
Mediterranean diet and prevention
The Mediterranean diet in turn has a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Thanks to the control of lipid profiles and blood pressure, intestinal microbiota health, reported in several randomized clinical trials (PREDIMED, ATTICA). (5)
Contributions of Omega-3 offered by the regular consumption of fish are suitable for promoting the protective effects indicated. Also thanks to their combination with other bioactive components contained in the foods that characterize the Mediterranean diet. (6)
What Omega-3s?
The combination of EPA and DHA, that is marine Omega 3, according to the researchers of the Mayo Clinic, is actually able to significantly reduce the risk of negative outcomes of the various diseases under study. And the protective effect increases with increasing dose (dose-dependence).
Consider yourself individually, the EPA appears to be safer and more related to the protective effect. DHA can in fact lead, in some cases, to an increase in low density lipoproteins (better known as LDL, or 'bad cholesterol'). (7)
Omega-3 and Covid-19, a possible help
The anti-inflammatory properties Omega-3s may offer help to reduce Covid-19 morbidity and mortality. This is what emerges from a recent pilot study, which considered the role of Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) and its derivatives in mitigating inflammatory processes caused by cytokines. (8)
The scientific bibliography it is moreover consolidated on the essential role of Omega 3 in protecting the human body from inflammation and strengthening the immune defenses. (9)
Dario Dongo and Andrea Adelmo Della Penna
Cover image: v. note 10
Footnotes
(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. GIFTS (Great Italian Food Trade). 13.4.20/XNUMX/XNUMX, 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. Herbal Medicine, 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.
