Omega-3 long chain fatty acids are deficient in the diets of Westerners. These fats feed into a pathway that allows production of a number of cell regulatory molecules, including eicosanoids and docosanoids, which play an important role at modulating inflammation. Through this pathway, omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit pro-inflammatory states that may be a cause of Western lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and obesity. A number of studies have shown that long chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 (n-3)) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:4 (n-3)) can alter lipid metabolism and this cause in turn reduce the concentration of triglycerides in the plasma. Therefore consumption of omega-3 fats produces a number of effect which may prevent the development of disease, and in particular research shows they may be particularly beneficial at preventing cardiovascular disease.
Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in both the diet and the plasma show an inverse association with acute myocardial infarction. Interestingly alpha linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 (n-3)) may be inversely associated with acute myocardial infarction, even in subjects with high levels of other long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This suggests that alpha linolenic acid may have some beneficial effects against acute myocardial infarction that are independent of its conversion to other omega-3 fats (alpha linolenic acid can be converted to longer chain fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, that can subsequently be synthesised into eicosanoids and docosanoids). However, this association might also be a result of the fact that high intakes of alpha linolenic acid signify high intake of plant foods (plants are the only source of alpha linolenic acid, particularly walnuts and green leafy vegetables), and high plant diets are known to be associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Associations between omega-3 fatty acids cardiovascular disease have been investigated. Generally, an inverse relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease has been shown. For example, researchers have identified an inverse relationship between plasma levels of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and acute myocardial infarction in human subjects. A similar inverse association has also observed between fish intake and acute myocardial infarction, as well as between long chain omega-3 fatty acids and acute myocardial infarction. A similar although smaller inverse association between alpha linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 (n-3)) and acute myocardial infarction has also been reported. The inverse association between ALA and acute myocardial infarction is present even in those with high levels of other omega-3 fatty acids in their plasma. Therefore the recommendation to eat more omega-3 containing fish and plant foods may provide cardiovascular benefits.
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