Omega3 fatty acids not only protect blood vessels but also reduce kidney disease? Is EPA the key to fighting inflammation?
Importance of Omega3 Fatty Acids to Health
Some fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the human body and are called essential fatty acids. Among them, Omega3 among polyunsaturated fatty acids is the most important. Omega3 fats mainly include ALA, EPA, and DHA. Although ALA can be converted into EPA and DHA in the human body, the conversion ratio is only about 2-10%. Most of the EPA and DHA come from fish oil from deep-sea fish. Deep-sea oily fish such as Salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines are the most abundant.
Omega3 fatty acids are components of cell membranes throughout the body and play an important role in regulating blood coagulation, arterial wall contraction and inflammatory reactions. In particular, DHA content is particularly high in the retina, brain, and sperm. Omega3 has also been shown to bind to cell receptors that regulate genetic expression. One study noted that EPA and DHA intake affects 1,040 genes and reduces the expression of genes associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. A recent study published in “BMJ” even pointed out that consuming more marine Omega3 fatty acids seems to help reduce the occurrence of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
In addition, Omega3 can also help improve depression, mood, and immune-related problems. Some studies indicate that Omega3 can suppress excessive immune responses, thereby relieving the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.
EPA and DHA among Omega3 fatty acids
For the past two decades, the American Heart Association has recommended that people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) should supplement fish oil to consume Omega3 fatty acids to help reduce the occurrence of coronary heart disease or stroke. However, whether the composition of Omega3 fatty acids is beneficial to everyone is still an issue that continues to be studied.
Evidence from a large trial called “REDUCE-IT” shows that taking 2 grams of high-purity EPA per day significantly reduces the number of heart attacks and strokes in high-risk groups, and they are less likely to need heart stents. Cardiovascular disease The hazard ratio for mortality was reduced by approximately 20%. Subsequently, another integrated analysis of more than 10 studies also showed that supplementing with Omega3 fish oil can reduce the risk of heart disease and coronary heart disease.
However, a “STRENGTH” trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association analyzed 13,000 patients whether the combination of EPA and DHA would have the same effect of reducing cardiovascular risk. The results showed that there was no difference between the experimental group and the control group. difference.
Why are they all fish oil, but different tests produce different results? In several trials, it was high-purity EPA that reduced the risk of cardiovascular events, while EPA and DHA did not appear to have the same effect. A recent meta-analysis pointed out that supplementing pure EPA is the primary recommended method for secondary prevention (preventing recurrence of cardiovascular events) for people who have already experienced cardiovascular disease.
How to supplement Omega3 fatty acids?
In view of the many benefits of Omega3 fatty acids to human health, it is generally recommended that adults consume fish, especially deep-sea fish, 1-2 times a week to supplement fish oil. Other possible dietary sources of Omega3 include vegetable oils, nuts (walnuts), linseed oil, etc. However, The proportion and utilization rate of plant-based Omega3 is limited, and modern people have an unbalanced diet. Fish oil supplementation is still a method used by many people.
Although the current evidence is that EPA is more effective in anti-inflammation and improving cardiovascular risk, DHA also plays an important and irreplaceable role, especially for pregnant women and fetuses. DHA is indispensable for the development and growth of the brain and nervous system. Insufficient DHA intake in old age can also easily lead to cognitive dysfunction.
In general, Omega3 fatty acids are very helpful in improving cardiovascular function, anti-inflammation, preventing arrhythmia, reducing major cardiovascular events and cognitive dysfunction related to Alzheimer’s disease, and its benefits are not limited to the heart. disease, and also has the potential to treat and improve kidney disease. It should be noted that the supplementation of EPA and DHA should not be excessive. Excessive supplementation of EPA and DHA may affect the blood coagulation function and increase the risk of massive bleeding. People who use anticoagulant drugs should be especially careful.
Source:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution
Omega-3 fatty acids and the heart: New evidence, more questions
Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits Throughout Life
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction with Icosapent Ethyl for Hypertriglyceridemia
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