Question

Find recent (within the past year) research regarding heart health nutrients: specifically on Omega 3s, Resveratol and ECGC. Explain what these do in terms of heart health physiologyin your own words thoroughly.

Answer 1

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most commonly prescribed supplements with a remarkable worldwide market. In 2011, people spent around $25 billion on omega-3 supplements. This amount is estimated to approach $35 billion in 2016 (1). While these supplements have been tried in various medical conditions including gastrointestinal, rheumatic, psychiatric, metabolic, renal, dermatologic, and pulmonary problems, they have been most commonly used for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease .

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of poly-unsaturated fatty acids with multiple double bonds, with the first being on the third carbon counting from the methyl end (omega carbon) of the chain . The major types of long chain omega-3 fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with 20 and 22 carbons, respectively. EPA and DHA are mainly gained from seafood consumption.

The composition of lipids in the cell membrane affects multiple cellular functions. Animal studies show that adding omega-3 fatty acids to cell membrane can alter cellular function by interaction with and modulation of membrane channels and proteins; thereby changing the physiochemical properties of cell membrane. Membrane-incorporated omega-3 fatty acids might be able to alter membrane protein signaling.

Some studies, however, have questioned the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammation. In a rat model of spinal cord injury, EPA and DHA administration could not reverse the hepatic inflammatory response induced by laminectomy or spinal cord injury. The study showed some anti-inflammatory effects for DHA, but none for EPA . In a trial of 20 healthy athletes, daily supplementation with 3.6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids for 6 weeks did not alter cytokine response to strenuous exercise; nor did it change the blood concentrations of neutrophils and lymphocytes .

Omega-3 fatty acids may also lead to improved endothelial function by promoting the release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells . Omega-3 fatty acids also decrease resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure by incorporation of EPA and DHA into membrane phospholipids and therefore increasing systemic arterial compliance . Scientific evidence on complementary health approaches includes results from laboratory research as well as clinical trials (studies in people). It provides information on whether an approach is helpful and safe. Scientific journals publish study results, as well as review articles that evaluate the evidence as it accumulates; fact sheets from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)—like this one—base information about research findings primarily on the most rigorous review articles, known as systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

• In 2014, researchers examined the results of the newest high-quality studies of omega-3s, all of which were completed in 2005 or later. Of nine studies that examined the effects of omega-3s on outcomes related to heart disease, such as heart attacks or abnormal heart rhythms, only one found evidence of a beneficial effect.