To read the statement, see:
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/106/21/2747
.
Diabetes
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in
diabetics.
Hypertriglyceridemia is a common lipid abnormality in diabetics. Fish oil supplementation signifi
cantly lowers serum triglyceride
levels in diabetics.
Increasing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid
intakes may be beneficial to diabetic individuals especially those with elevated serum triglycerides.
There is little evidence that comb
ined daily eicosapentaenoic acid
and docosahexaenoic acid intakes of less than 3 grams per day adversely affect long-term glycemic control in diabetics. Inflammatory Diseases Rheumatoid Arthritis
Supplements with fish oil may help rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements ha
ve not usually helped those
with inflammatory bowel disease. Asthma
Marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in asthmatic
patients has not been shown to be helpful. Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy
Studies have not shown that fish oil supplements prevent the
progression of IgA nephropathy in children or adults. Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder
There are no controlled studies on the efficacy of omega-3 fatty
acid supplementation in patients with depression.
Schizophrenia
Results of randomized controlled trials using ethyl-
eicosapentaenoic acid are mixed.
Toxicity Flax Seed Oil (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
May cause loose stools or diarrhea. Allergic reactions have been
reported. Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids
May cause a fishy aftertaste. Belching and heartburn have been
reported. High doses may cause nausea and loose stools. Bleeding
The potential for high omega-3 fatty acid intakes to prolong
bleeding times may play a role in their cardioprotective effects.
The FDA has ruled that intakes up to 3 grams per day of marine-
derived omega-3 fatty acids are
Generally Recognized As Safe
(GRAS) for inclusion in the diet.
The FNB has not established a tolerable upper level of intake
(UL) for omega-3 fatty acids. Caution is advised with the use of supplemental eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, especially in those taking anticoagulants or otherwise at increased risk of excessive bleeding. Immune System Suppression
The suppression of inflammatory responses from omega-3 fatty
acid intakes may benefit individuals with inflammatory or autoimmune diseases; anti-infla
mmatory doses may decrease the
ability of the immune system to destroy pathogens.
Nutrition for Sports, Essentials of 85