Positive Health Online

Abstract

DEWAILLY and colleagues, Public Health Research Unit, CHUL Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Ste-Foy, Canada, eric.dewailly@crchul.ulaval.ca, carried out a study to confirm the previously reported relationship between n-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular risk factors in the Inuit people of Nunavik, Canada.

Background

The traditional Inuit diet contains large amounts of marine food rich in n-3 fatty acids, which are believed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Methodology

426 Inuit aged 18-74 years took part in a health survey in 1992, with data being obtained through home interviews and clinic visits. Blood samples were taken for analysis of the compositions of the plasma phospholipid fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Results

Geometric mean concentrations of EPA, DHA and their combination in plasma phospholipids were: 1.99%, 4.52% and 6.83% (percentage of total fatty acids) respectively. There were positive relationships between n-3 fatty acids and HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and plasma glucose concentrations. Conversely, there were negative (inverse) associations between n-3 fatty acids and triacylglycerol concentrations and the ratio of total to HDL-cholesterol. There were no associations between n-3 fatty acids and diastolic or systolic blood pressure or plasma insulin.

Conclusion

It would appear that a diet high in marine products, containing EPA and DHA, reduces some risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The low mortality rate from coronary heart disease reported in Inuit is probably a consequence of their traditional marine product-rich diet.

References

Dewailly E et al. n-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease risk factors among the Inuit of Nunavik. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 74 (4): 464-73. Oct 2001. @i:72