Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acid on blood pressure: The INTERMAP study.
The INTERMAP study (INTERnational collaborative of MAcronutrients and blood Pressure) examines correlations between nutrients and worldwide patterns of blood pressure.
The abstract is obtuse, but Medscape has a decent review.
First, the details.
- 4,680 adults living in 17 areas of Japan, China, the UK, and US
- The amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet averaged 2 grams per day.
- The researchers compared blood pressure in people consuming higher vs lower amounts of omega-3.
And, the results.
- People in Japan had the highest intake of omega-3 from vegetable sources and fish.
- After adjusting for age, gender, height, weight, exercise, alcohol consumption, salt intake, and other dietary factors, diets rich in omega-3 were associated with less than 1 mmHg lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded that despite the small effect, it’s important. Studies show that a decrease of 2 mmHg of blood pressure reduces the average death rate from stroke by about 6% and from coronary heart disease by 4%.
They also found that omega-3 from nuts, seeds and vegetable oils — such as walnuts and flaxseed — had as much impact on blood pressure as omega-3 from fish.
6/10/07 19:40 JR
