Omega 3 Supplements: Reduced Risk of Thrombosis and Other Cardiovascular Diseases with Fish Oil

In men, the intake of a single dose of Omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) reduces platelet-derived microparticle activity by about 20% within 24 hours. This corresponds to a decreased risk of developing thrombosis and other cardiovascular diseases associated with platelet aggregation inside blood vessels. This was demonstrated by a research team led by Manohar Lal Garg from the University of Newcastle (Australia), in a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. The research adds further details to the understanding of the differential effect of Omega-3 on men and women.

Omega-3 Against Platelet Aggregation

Platelets are blood components essential for repairing damaged vessels and preventing severe bleeding. However, their excessive activation can be associated with various heart diseases. It is known that platelet aggregation can lead to clot formation, which constitutes a risk factor for stroke, heart attack, and other serious heart health problems. When activated, platelets release small vesicles (microparticles) that, by binding to the vessel walls, trigger further platelet aggregation. For this reason, microparticle levels are considered a valid indicator of platelet hyperactivity associated with cardiovascular risk. Several studies have shown that Omega-3 intake reduces the incidence of thrombotic events. These nutrients restore the proper number of platelet microparticles and coagulation activity levels in patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction. However, no study had clarified whether Omega-3s produce the same benefits in healthy individuals and whether their effect is immediate or requires long-term administration.

More EPA for Men's Well-being

Garg and colleagues clarified these aspects by asking 15 men and 15 women without particular health problems to take a single dose of sunflower oil (not rich in Omega-3) or 1 gram of EPA or DHA docosahexaenoic acid, an important dietary Omega-3. Twenty-four hours after intake, those who took EPA or DHA showed a decrease in platelet aggregation of 13.3% and 11.9%, respectively. Microparticle levels decreased only in men who took EPA, but not in those who took DHA. Moreover, women who were given EPA showed only a reduction in platelet aggregation, without benefiting from any effect on microparticle numbers.

Unclear Mechanisms, but Confirmed Effectiveness

The study authors cannot precisely explain the mechanisms through which Omega-3s influence platelet aggregation and microparticle levels. This research demonstrates for the first time that a single dose of EPA reduces platelet aggregation and also acts at the level of microparticles, thus confirming results obtained in other studies. The data collected to date clearly indicate that EPA and DHA reduce the tendency of platelets to aggregate, but they act differently in men and women.    

Source 

1. Phang M, Lincz L, Seldon M, Garg ML, “Acute supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid reduces platelet microparticle activity in healthy subjects”, J Nutr Biochem. 2011 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print]