Essentials of Nutrition for Sports

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