High Blood Pressure, Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Seal oil vs fish oil in patients with high triglyceride blood levels

beating heartResearchers from the University of Wollongong, in Australia, report positive results with seal oil.

First, the details.

  • 48 volunteers were randomly assigned to take 1 g/day of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from 1 of 3 oils for 6 weeks.
    • Seal oil capsules (340 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 230 mg docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), 450 mg DHA)
    • Fish oil capsules (210 mg EPA, 30 mg DPA, 810 mg DHA)
    • Placebo capsules (containing sunola oil)

And, the results.

  • Triglyceride blood levels remained unchanged in the placebo group.
  • Fish oil and seal oil significantly reduced triglyceride levels by 7% and 14%, respectively.
  • Fish oil and seal oil significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 8 and 5 mmHg, respectively.
  • Mean arterial pressure was significantly lower after seal oil supplementation vs placebo.

The authors concluded, “These results indicate that seal oil is as effective as fish oil in lowering plasma triglycerides and blood pressure.”

For perspective, the researchers were motivated by the fact that Australians consume 6 times more meat than fish.

11/18/09 20:51 JR