Post-prandial effects of a meal rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids on indicators of cardiovascular risk
Date
2012Author
McKenzie, Jane
Gow, Iain F.
Findlay, S.
Petit, J.
Goua, M.
Wainwright, C.
Davidson, Isobel
Metadata
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McKenzie, J., Gow, I., Findlay, S., Petit, J., Goua, M., Wainwright, C. & Davidson, I. (2012) Post-prandial effects of a meal rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids on indicators of cardiovascular risk, , , , ,
Abstract
Introduction
Evidence from epidemiological studies indicates that the regular
consumption of oily fish may be protective against the risk of
cardiovascular disease. The benefits appear to be related to the content of
long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA), specifically
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Current
UK dietary guidelines therefore recommend the consumption of two
portions of fish per week, one of which should be oily (1), which equates
to 0.45g LC n-3 PUFA per day. Although there is limited information about
intakes of EPA and DHA in Scotland, recent studies show that they are
consistently below recommendations (2). Further review of the dietary
intake data indicates that the consumption of oily fish is sporadic and
inconsistent (3) despite attempts to promote regular intake.
Several of the mechanisms involved in the development of cardiovascular
disease (CVD) involve endothelial function. Post-prandial hyperlipidaemia
has been linked to an increased risk of CVD (4), which is largely attributed
to the transient (2-6 hour) decrease in endothelial function (5). Changes
in endothelial function have also been shown to be associated with
superoxide production (6), implicating oxidative stress as a possible
mechanism for endothelial dysfunction. The long-term effects of LC n-3
PUFA on oxidative stress and inflammation are well established, however
little is known about their immediate post-prandial effects. Identifying the
possible benefits of consumption of a single meal rich in LC n-3 PUFA
may provide a new perspective on which to promote dietary changes.
The aim of this pilot project was therefore to identify post-prandial
changes in markers of cardiovascular risk, assessed by measurement of
arterial compliance, whole blood fatty acid profile, plasma glucose and
insulin, markers of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and
antioxidant status in response a test meal naturally rich LC n-3 PUFA
compared with a control meal.