Cardiovascular effects of omega-3 in women
Researchers at Statens Serum Institut, in Copenhagen, Denmark, explored the association between intake of long chain omega-3 fatty acids and the risk of cardiovascular disease in a large group of young women.
First, the details.
- 48,627 women from the Danish National Birth Cohort were studied.
- Intake of fish and omega-3 was assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire and telephone interviews.
And, the results.
- During follow-up of about 8 years, 577 events of cardiovascular disease were identified.
- Low omega-3 intake was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Restricting the sample to women who consistently reported similar frequencies of fish intake tended to strengthen the relationship.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Little or no intake of fish and long chain omega-3 fatty acids was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.”
The importance of this study is that it fills a void in the number of women studied in similar past research.
12/29/11 22:04 JR