LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The omega-3 fatty acids found in certain
fish not only prevent cardiovascular disease, but may even help treat it, a new
study suggests.
The study, published in the August issue of the Journal of the American College
of Cardiology, involved four trials with almost 40,000 participants that show
benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease,
in treatment after heart attack and, most recently, in heart failure patients.
The study cited epidemiological evidence which showed that populations such as
Asians and Alaskan Eskimos, whose diets are rich in fish oil, have a low
incidence of cardiovascular disease.
"A lot of people know that omega-3 fatty acids are a good thing, but have
thought of them in the area of nutritional or health foods," said study author
Carl J. Lavie, medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and prevention at the
Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans.
"They don't realize there is so much data, a lot of data from big studies, that
they are not only preventive but also help in therapy for a number of
conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, atherosclerosis and heart
failure."
The American Heart Association has endorsed omega-3 fatty acid intake, from fish
or supplements, recommending specific amounts of omega-3 fatty acids each day
for people in general, with greater intake recommended for people with heart
disease.
But the association says that Omega-3 supplements should be taken only after
consulting with a doctor, because too much can cause excessive bleeding in some
people.
"For the general population, it should be 500 milligrams a day, " Lavie said.
"If you have heart disease, it should be 800 or 1, 000 milligrams a day."
Not much effort is needed for most people to achieve the recommended intake,
Lavie said. "Five hundred milligrams a day is two fatty fish meals per week," he
added.
Source : Manila Bulletin Publishin Corporation
