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Intakes of long-chain omega-3 fatty acid associated with reduced risk for death from coronary heart disease in healthy adults

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Abstract

Numerous organizations and national health agencies have begun to recommend consumption of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA), respectively, in pill or fish form for general cardiovascular health. The purpose of this article is to present a rationale for an official target intake of 400 to 500 mg/d of EPA + DHA in the United States. Six epidemiologic studies reporting EPA + DHA intake and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) death have been conducted in the United States, and five studies reported statistically significant inverse trends. Meta-analysis of these data showed a significant dose-response relationship between risk for CHD death and intake (P = 0.03), with relative risk reductions of 37% at an average EPA + DHA intake of 566 mg/d. Coincidentally, two servings per week of oily fish (the current American Heart Association recommendation) would provide 400 to 500 mg/d. We conclude, therefore, that an intake of 400 to 500 mg/d of EPA + DHA is achievable by diet alone and would be expected to significantly reduce risk for death from CHD in healthy adults.

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Harris, W.S., Kris-Etherton, P.M. & Harris, K.A. Intakes of long-chain omega-3 fatty acid associated with reduced risk for death from coronary heart disease in healthy adults. Curr Atheroscler Rep 10, 503–509 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-008-0078-z

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