Omega-3: Are Men and Women the Same?
Omega-3 and thrombosis prevention: DHA for women and EPA for men?
It’s no news that men and women are different. And not only poets and songwriters have said so. Now science has weighed in with a study that examined the different effects of two types of fatty acids, EPA and DHA, on the cardiovascular system of men and women.
Thrombosis and diseases related to cardiovascular system malfunction are among the most common in Western countries. The triggers of these diseases are well known: smoking, a fat-rich diet, little physical activity, and sedentary lifestyle.
While these diseases affect men and women more or less equally, the study published in the Journal of Nutrition highlights differences in the effectiveness of certain types of Omega-3 in thrombosis prevention depending on the patient’s sex.
Fatty acid intake has long been recommended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases: thrombosis, heart attack, stroke. Several studies since the 1970s have established that taking Omega-3 helps to thin the blood and thus counteracts clotting and thrombus formation, maintaining normal blood pressure, but there could be differences in effect between male and female patients.
The study, conducted by a research team from the University of Newcastle in Australia, involved 94 men and women who were given doses of EPA or DHA and placebo substances. While Omega-3 intake without sex differentiation led to a 12% reduction in risk factors, specific intake of EPA for men and DHA for women raised the risk factor reduction to 18% for both sexes.
This research takes a step forward by analyzing the different reactions of men and women to different types of fatty acids. Specifically, EPA would reduce platelet aggregation levels in men, while DHA would do so in women.
Too early for conclusions?
Of course, the study had a limited sample size and the actual conclusions will need further verification, but as always, we will keep you informed about new developments!
Despite the enthusiasm of the Australian researchers, Dr. Rice, vice president of the Global Organization for EPA and DHA, urges caution: “Although the results from this research seem realistic, I think it is too early to conclude that thrombotic disorders could benefit from specific intake of EPA for men and DHA for women.” According to Dr. Rice, the sample size analyzed is not statistically reliable. We await further studies and analyses on the subject to keep you constantly updated.
Source: Journal of Nutrition
