Omega-3 DHA supplements reduce keyrisk factors for cardiovascular disease in healthy adults

Aim and methods: This study investigated the effects of 4 weeks of omega-3 supplementation (DHA 520 mg/day and EPA 120 mg/day) on platelet function in 40 healthy adults and 16 adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Results: Omega-3 supplementation reduced measures of platelet aggregation and activation in the healthy adults. This was less clear in adults with CVD, although this was a varied and small number of participants.

Conclusion: This study provides further support for the heart health benefits of taking omega-3 supplements. More studies are needed to understand the optimal omega-3 PUFA dose in people with CVD, as it is likely to be higher than the healthy population.

Reference: McEwen BJ, Morel-Kopp MC, Chen W, Tofler GH, Ward CM. Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on platelet function in healthy subjects and subjects with cardiovascular disease. Semin Thromb Hemost 2013 39:25-32.