Positive Health Online

Abstract

WELTY and COLLEAGUES,  (1)Division of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston (F.K.W.); (2)Department of Internal Medicine, Cooper University Healthcare, Camden, NJ (R.D.); (3)Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, U Mass Lowell Center for Population Health, University of Massachusetts (M.G.) conducted a review to summarize sex and racial differences in the role of fish and its very long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in preventing CVD events and cognitive decline.

 

Background

Both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cognitive decline are common features of aging. One in 5 deaths is cardiac for both men and women in the United States, and an estimated 50 million are currently living with dementia worldwide.

Methodology

In this review, we summarize sex and racial differences in the role of fish and its very long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in preventing CVD events and cognitive decline.

Results

In prospective studies, women with higher nonfried and fatty fish intake and women and Black individuals with higher plasma levels of EPA and DHA had a lower risk of CVD. In randomized controlled trials of EPA and DHA supplementation in primary CVD prevention, Black subjects benefited in a secondary outcome. In secondary CVD prevention, both men and women benefited, and Asians benefited as a prespecified subgroup. Fish and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with prevention of cognitive decline in prospective studies. In randomized controlled trials of EPA and DHA supplementation, women have cognitive benefit. DHA seems more beneficial than EPA, and supplementation is more beneficial when started before cognitive decline.

Conclusion

Although studies in women and racial groups are limited, life-long intake of nonfried and fatty fish lowers the risk of CVD and cognitive decline, and randomized controlled trials also show the benefit of EPA and DHA supplementation. These findings should be factored into recommendations for future research and clinical recommendations as dietary modalities could be cost-effective for disease prevention. Conflict of interest statement: Disclosures None.

References

Welty FK(1), Daher R(2), Garelnabi M(3). Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Sex and Racial Differences in Cardiovascular Outcomes and Cognitive Function. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2024 Jan;44(1):89-107. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.122.318125.  Epub 2023 Nov 2.