The US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) this week urged the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) to revise dietary guidelines to reflect information that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), while trans fatty acids may increase the risk.
In a letter sent to the agencies, OMB stated that even a small improvement in American's dietary habits could lead to significant reductions in the number of premature deaths from heart disease which kills more than 500,000 people each year.
Earlier this week, scientists writing in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, confirmed that the omega-3 oils in fish can prevent death from sudden heart attack if consumed regularly. In an accompanying editorial, authors Dr David S. Siscovick, Dr Rozenn N. Lemaitre and Dr Dariush Mozaffarian, said: "For policymakers, there is a need to consider a new indication for treatment with low-dose omega-3 PUFA supplements - the prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with a prior [heart attack]."
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently revised its own dietary guidelines to recommend the consumption of certain fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
"The American Heart Association applauds OMB for acting to help Americans make more informed nutritional choices," said Dr Robert O. Bonow, president of the AHA. "The scientific evidence supporting these changes is substantial, and Americans should have every opportunity to take advantage of this knowledge and take steps that will lead them to healthier lifestyles."
Studies have also shown that trans fatty acids elevate LDL (bad) cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease, and reduce HDL cholesterol.
Bonow continued: "Making simple dietary changes can have a significant impact in reducing risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Ultimately, this could save hundreds of thousands of lives."
OMB's prompt letters come on the heels of several Bush Administration initiatives to improve the nation's overall health, such as the HealthierUS Initiative. Many individuals look to the government to provide trustworthy advice among the often conflicting information, added Bonow, urging HHS and USDA to follow the OMB advice.