Written by Jessica Patella, ND.
Omega-3 oils, specifically (EPA) eicosapentaenoic acid and (DHA) docosahexaenoic acid, are associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk (1). High intakes of EPA and DHA are also associated with lower levels of triglycerides (2, 3) and C-reactive protein (4). C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation or swelling in the body, high levels of C-reactive protein are related to many chronic diseases, such as arthritis, cancer and autoimmune disease. Obesity, on the other hand, increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and is associated with increased levels of triglycerides and C-reactive protein (5). Recent research shows that high intakes of omega-3 oils may help reduce obesity-related disease risk (6).
Yup’ik Eskimos living in Southwest Alaska have an average EPA and DHA intake greater than 20 times the current US population (4.1 +/- 0.5 g per day vs. 0.05 g per day in men; 2.8 +/- 0.3 g per day vs. 0.09 g per day in women) and they have an obesity prevalence similar, although slightly higher than the overall US population (71% vs. 68%) (6). The purpose of the study was to investigate if the Eskimo population has a lower rate of obesity-related disease, because of their increased omega-3 oil intake (6).
The study included 1003 participants over the age of 14 (average age 45.5 years) living in Southwest Alaska. Diet was assessed using a 24-hour recall and a 3-day food record. Physical activity was measured with pedometers and omega-3 levels were recorded from blood samples (6). Body mass index (BMI is a weight to height ratio) was measured to determine weight categories (normal BMI 18.5-24.9, overweight BMI 25-29.9, obese BMI 30+).
The increase in triglycerides from a BMI of 25 to 35 were far greater in those with low levels of EPA and DHA (99.5 +/- 45.3 mg/dl, 106%; 137.8 +/-71.0 mg/dl, 156% respectively; p=0.005) compared to those with high levels of EPA and DHA (13.9 +/- 8.1, 23%; 12.0 +/-12.3 mg/dl 18% respectively, p=0.008) (6).
The same was true of C-reactive protein. The increase in C-reactive protein (inflammation) from a BMI of 30 to 35 were far greater in those with low levels of EPA and DHA (0.8 +/- 0.7 mg/l, 32%; 1.0 +/- 0.8 mg/l, 45% respectively; p=0.002) compared to those with high levels of EPA and DHA (0.1 +/- 0.6, 6%; -0.5 +/-0.6 mg/l -32% respectively, p=0.02) (6).
In conclusion, high intake of EPA and DHA in this population decreased the risk of elevated triglycerides and inflammation, two strong risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes (6). These findings have important clinical relevance for prevention of some obesity-related diseases (6). Further research needs to be conducted to determine if the results can be replicated.
Source: Makhoul, Zeina, et al. “Associations of obesity with triglycerides and C-reactive protein are attenuated in adults with high red blood cell eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids.” European journal of clinical nutrition 65.7 (2011): 808-817.
© 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved
Posted April 12, 2011.
References:
- Kris-Etherton PM, et al. Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. 2002. Circulation. 106, 2747-2757.
- Bonna KH, et al. Habitual fish consumptions, plasma phospholipids fatty acids, and serum lipids: the Tromso study. 1992 Am J Clin Nutr 55, 1126-1134.
- Dewailly E, et al. Cardiovascular disease risk factors and n-3 fatty acid status in the adult population of James Bay Cree. 2002 Am J Clin Nutr 76, 85-92.
- Klein-Platat C, et al. Plasma fatty acid composition is associated with the metabolic syndrome and low-grade inflammation in overweight adolescents. 2005 Am J Clin Nutr 82, 1178-1184.
- Pi-Sunyer, et al. The obesity epidemic: pathophysiology and consequences of obesity. 2002. Obese Res 10, 97S-104S.
- Makhoul Z, et al. Associations of obesity with triglycerides nd C-reactive protein are attenuated in adults with high red blood cell eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acids. 2011 Eur J Clin Nutr doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2011.39.
