28 March 2014
A new review from the US concludes that adequate intakes of omega-3 fatty acids can decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The meta-analysis included results of 70 randomized controlled trials (mean duration 69 days) evaluating a potential link between intakes of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and blood pressure in participants with normal blood pressure and patients with hypertension (1). The analysis showed that among all participants with increased intakes of DHA plus EPA (mean EPA+DHA dose: 3.8g/day), systolic blood pressure decreased by an average 1.52 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 0.99 mm Hg, while placebo showed no significant effect. Among those with hypertension, the effect was even greater, with an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 4.51 mm Hg and an average reduction in diastolic blood pressure of 3.05 mm Hg.
The researchers commented these findings show that omega-3 fatty acids can be as effective or more effec- tive in lowering blood pressure than other lifestyle interventions, including restricting sodium and alcohol in- take and increasing physical activity. The decrease of systolic blood pressure among those with high blood pressure could prevent an individual from having to take medication to control blood pressure levels or pre- vent an individual from moving toward a more progressive stage of hypertension.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31% of Americans are hypertensive, 30% are prehypertensive, and approximately 20% are hypertensive yet unaware of their status (2). Only 47% of those with hypertension are adequately controlled. Prior research shows that diet and lifestyle modifications, including physical activity, sodium reduction, and fish oil supplementation, can reduce blood pressure, enhan- ce antihypertensive drug efficacy, and decrease cardiovascular disease risk (3).
15 March 2014
In the current environment of overconsumption in the developed countries, where calorie intake exceeds energy expenditure, it is a matter of concern that intakes of some micronutrients are substantially below the recommended levels.
24 October 2014
Experts from the European Food Safety Authority conclude that supplemental eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid from algal oil sources up to five grams daily can be safely taken as there are no safety concerns for adults.
15 October 2014
Depending on the location of the tumor and the sex of the patient, up to 90% of cancer sufferers take dietary supplements containing antioxidant and immune-stabilizing micronutrients.
