High Triglycerides: Elderly With Omega-3 Deficiency At Risk

High Triglycerides: Elderly at Risk with Omega-3 Deficiency

As is known, high blood triglycerides represent a cardiovascular risk factor. A recent study demonstrated the association between low concentrations of omega-3 and higher triglyceride levels among people over seventy. Conversely, elderly individuals with a high Omega-3 Index, a measure of the amount of EPA and DHA in the blood, showed triglyceride levels 28% lower than those with a lower index, suggesting the importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids in maintaining good health in late age.

The research was conducted by a group of researchers from the University of Newcastle at Callaghan (Australia) and published in the journal The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.

High Triglycerides, a Cardiovascular Risk Factor

High lipid levels in the blood are one of the main risk factors contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease. Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by a series of abnormalities in the amounts of lipids present in the blood, including hypertriglyceridemia, i.e., high triglycerides compared to reference values, increased concentrations of "bad cholesterol" (LDL), and low levels of "good cholesterol" HDL. Numerous studies over recent decades have shown that a diet rich in saturated fatty acids is the main cause of the dyslipidemic conditions described above. Conversely, it has been demonstrated that the consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly found in fish, acts in the opposite way by increasing the size of HDL molecules and decreasing triglycerides in the bloodstream, thus reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular disorders.

A Low Omega-3 Index is Linked to High Triglycerides

The aim of this study was to determine an association between the Omega-3 Index, i.e., the percentage of EPA and DHA relative to total fatty acids present in red blood cell membranes, and the blood lipid profile in people over seventy. Research on the elderly and the long-term effects of omega-3 consumption are still scarce. Data from Australian men and women over 70 indicated that triglyceride levels were up to 28% lower in subjects with the highest average Omega-3 Index value compared to those with the lowest average value. The EPA and DHA blood level was also associated with a better ratio between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, emphasizing the importance of Omega-3s for healthy aging. According to Jessica Ferguson, the researcher who led the study, this association confirms the prolonged effectiveness of the omega-3 and plasma triglyceride relationship, as the Omega-3 Index reflects long-term dietary omega-3 intake.

Study Details: Differences Between Men and Women

To reach these conclusions, researchers analyzed data from 276 people with an average age of 77.6 years who participated in a health and lifestyle study in retirees. Results showed that women had a significantly higher Omega-3 Index than men and that its value was inversely associated with triglyceride concentrations. A positive association between omega-3 levels and good HDL cholesterol was also highlighted. Regarding differences between men and women, it was observed that the likelihood of having high triglyceride levels was higher only in women with the lowest Omega-3 Index. As Jessica Ferguson added, this trend suggests the need for future studies in male and female subgroups and could imply dietary omega-3 intake recommendations that vary by age and sex, in order to effectively optimize the triglyceride-lowering effects of EPA and DHA and maintain a healthy lipid profile. The interaction of sex hormones and omega-3 will therefore likely need to be considered by researchers.

A Diet Rich in Omega-3 Reduces Cardiovascular Risk

According to the scientists who conducted the study, the results not only confirm the importance of the Omega-3 Index as a risk factor for early diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults, but also promote the need for studies on the long-term effects of a diet rich in omega-3 in the elderly. The results of these studies could encourage the development of dietary strategies aimed at improving omega-3 levels, promoting healthy aging, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Controlling Triglycerides with Omegor Supplements

Maintaining triglycerides under control is therefore important for safeguarding cardiovascular health. There are several dietary supplements produced by U.G.A. Nutraceuticals containing high concentrations of EPA and DHA. The two most important omega-3s contribute to maintaining normal triglyceride levels in the blood if taken in the amount of 2,000 milligrams per day. Meaquor 1000: is a fish oil supplement with a very high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, and it is particularly indicated for those who want to maintain normal levels of triglycerides and blood pressure. To stay updated on the latest scientific research news about Omega-3 subscribe to our newsletter. 

Source: J.J.A. Ferguson, M. Veysey, M. Lucock, S. Niblett, K. King, L. MacDonald-Wicks, M.L. Garg “Association between omega-3 index and blood lipids in older Australians”. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 24/3/2016, Volume 27, Issue, Pages 233-240.