New research seems to explain how Omega-3 fatty acids consumed in oily fish protects against stroke and heart disease.
A team of researchers from the University Hospital in Southampton, England, treated 188 stroke patients with Omega-3 fatty acids and reported a significant reduction in the extent of atherosclerosis. They say the oils transform dangerous atherosclerotic plaques into harmless scars.
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a chronic inflammatory disease. It may be a consequence of several risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure or an unhealthy, fatty diet. Atherosclerosis can lead to the formation of blood clots, which may in turn cause strokes and heart attacks. So far, the main focus of attention has been on the prevention of atherosclerosis and providing information about the risk factors.
Some studies have demonstrated that Omega-3 fatty acids have a preventive effect on cardiovascular disease but the new study shows that Omega-3 can also have a therapeutic effect. The patients, divided into three groups taking either Omega-3 fish-oil capsules, sunflower-oil capsules or a placebo six times a day, were treated over an average period of 42 days. Fish oil patients received 1.4g of Omega-3 fatty acids daily.
The researchers report in the 8 February issue of The Lancet that Omega-3 fatty acids helped to make scars harmless and stabilise the health in stroke patients who are at high risk of the atherosclerotic plaques rupturing or forming clots. The team added that Omega-3 fatty acids can be integrated into the sclerotic areas in the carotid artery. The results can be explained by Omega-3's anti-inflammatory effect.
"The discovery that atherosclerosis can be cured or rendered harmless, as this study indicates, is ground-breaking. Stroke patients form a large patient group for whom there are few available methods of treatment," said Dr Arne T. Høstmark from the Section of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Oslo, Norway.