The benefits of ‘omega-3’

The protective effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown in a study conducted by the highly respected Italian investigator called Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell’ Infarto Miocardico (GISSI).

The GISSI study, published in the reputable Lancet, showed that omega-3 PUFA decreased total deaths by 40 percent, cardiovascular deaths by 30 percent and sudden deaths by 45 percent. Non-fatal heart attacks and strokes have also been significantly reduced by 20 percent.

In the same study, the effect of vitamin E on the same cardiovascular outcomes or endpoints were also evaluated, but this did not show any significant benefit.

This highly scientific and well-designed study enrolled 11,324 patients surviving a heart attack (myocardial infarction) in the preceding three months. They were randomly given supplements of omega-3 PUFA or vitamin E for 3.5 years. The primary combined efficacy endpoint was death from all causes, non-fatal heart attacks and strokes.

The GISSI study confirmed previously reported favorable effects of omega-3 PUFA. The scientific community’s keen interest in omega-3 PUFA is based on epidemiologic studies showing an inverse relationship between consumption of fish and death from coronary artery disease (CAD).

Studies show that fish obtained from deep sea or marine water contains a high concentration of omega-3 PUFA. Omega-3 produces in the body a substance called prostacyclin which prevents blood from being viscous and sticky. This helps prevent blood platelets from forming clots which can cause heart attack and stroke.

The Eskimo phenomenon came about in 1970 when scientists discovered that Eskimos consumed large amount of fat daily and very little fiber or fresh fruits and vegetables, yet had the lowest incidence of heart disease. It was noted that the Eskimos consumed a lot of deep sea fish, approximately 500 grams or half a kilo of fish a day.

This phenomenon was tested by Professor W. Newman of New Orleans, USA in his study evaluating Arctic natives (Alaska and Greenland) and non-Arctic natives as subjects. The degree of protection from coronary heart disease that a high intake of omega-3 PUFA provided was evident in the results of the study which showed significantly lower atherosclerotic lesions in the intimal surface of the aorta and coronary arteries of the natives which consumed high omega-3 PUFA.

Professor Newman’s findings were presented during the convention of the European Society for Clinical Investigation (ESCI) held in Cambridge, United Kingdom in April 1995.

For almost two decades now, several committees of distinguished experts have gathered to discuss the favorable effect of omega-3 PUFA. Among them were the UK Department of Health, the British Nutrition Foundation, the EU Scientific Committee for Food and the World Health Organization. All agreed on an increased intake of omega-3 as a means of reducing the risk of heart disease.

The beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFA are now well-accepted and many doctors are recommending its regular intake as a food supplement at a dose of two to three softgels daily. It is particularly recommended for those with previous heart attacks and those who have risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and strong family history of heart disease.

Omegabloc, a brand of omega-3 PUFA available in Mercury Drug Stores, is steadily gaining more and more demand from health buffs and health practitioners. Distributed by Trianon International Inc., Omegabloc (1,000 milligrams of omega-3 PUFA), is fast moving at all Mercury Drug stores nationwide as a heart protector and an excellent source of good cholesterol known as HDL (high density lipoproteins).

It is recommended as an ideal supplement for individuals with high risk of developing heart attack and stroke such as smokers, those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and strong family history of heart disease.