Thrombosis, the effectiveness of Omega-3 depends on the patient's sex
Thrombosis: The Strength of Omega-3 Depends on Sex
The effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acids against thrombosis differs between men and women. This was demonstrated by a study conducted by researchers from the University of Newcastle in Callaghan and John Hunter Hospital in New Lambton (Australia), coordinated by Monohar Garg, published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.
Indeed, Omega-3s are able to inhibit platelet aggregation, which underlies thrombosis. However, the results obtained by Garg and colleagues suggest that the interaction with sex hormones generates differences in how men and women process eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the two Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. In particular, Garg explains, while men would benefit more from EPA intake, for women the most useful supplements would be those based on DHA. Consequently, some Omega-3 supplements should be formulated to better meet male and female needs.
The Study
Most studies conducted so far to verify the effectiveness of Omega-3 as anti-platelet agents have focused on the use of fish oil containing both EPA and DHA at the same time. However, even though some studies seem to indicate that men and women respond differently to EPA and DHA, no research has clarified which type of Omega-3 is more effective in preventing thrombosis.
For this reason, the Australian researchers decided to investigate this aspect further by administering a single dose of EPA and DHA to study participants and monitoring platelet aggregation during the 24 hours following administration. The study involved a total of 30 participants without any particular health problems. The first finding was that both Omega-3s reduce platelet aggregation.
However, a closer analysis revealed that while in men EPA is much more effective than DHA, in women DHA is significantly more active than EPA. These data confirm hypotheses formulated based on results obtained in previous studies and, the researchers explain, could be explained by the interaction between Omega-3s and sex hormones.
The Importance of Proper Supplementation to Protect Blood Vessels
This discovery has significant implications for maintaining cardiovascular health. Indeed, platelets, essential for wound healing, can form aggregates – or thrombi – that, by blocking blood vessels, hinder blood circulation. In addition to preventing proper blood flow, thrombi can also detach from vessel walls and migrate to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, a condition that can severely compromise the health of those affected, even becoming fatal. Although pharmacological anti-platelet agents exist, the search for alternative solutions is always active.
The usefulness of Omega-3s in these situations had already been suggested by other studies. However, this new research highlights the need for sex-specific formulations that allow for the best use of the beneficial properties of EPA and DHA in thrombosis treatment.
Source
1. Phang M, Sinclair AJ, Lincz LF, Garg ML, “Gender-specific inhibition of platelet aggregation following omega-3 fatty acid supplementation”, Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2010 Aug 11
