(15-04-11) Determinants of the omega-3 index in a Mediterranean population at increased risk for CHD.

Sala-Vila A, Harris WS, Cof?n M, P?rez-Heras AM, Pint? X, Lamuela-Ravent?s RM, Covas MI, Estruch R, Ros E.
Lipid Clinic, Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Institut d'Investigacions Biom?diques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Unitat de L?pids, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract
The omega-3 index, defined as the sum of EPA and DHA in erythrocyte membranes expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids, has been proposed as both a risk marker and risk factor for CHD death. A major determinant of the omega-3 index is EPA+DHA intake, but the impact of other dietary fatty acids has not been investigated. In a cross-sectional study on 198 subjects (102 men and 96 women, mean age 66 years) at high cardiovascular risk living in Spain, the country with low rates of cardiac death despite a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, dietary data were acquired from FFQ and blood cell membrane fatty acid composition was measured by GC. The average consumption of EPA+DHA was 0?9 g/d and the mean omega-3 index was 7?1 %. In multivariate models, EPA+DHA intake was the main predictor of the omega-3 index but explained only 12 % of its variability (P < 0?001). No associations with other dietary fatty acids were observed. Although the single most influential determinant of the omega-3 index measured here was the intake of EPA+DHA, it explained little of the former's variability; hence, the effects of other factors (genetic, dietary and lifestyle) remain to be determined. Nevertheless, the high omega-3 index could at least partially explain the paradox of low rates of fatal CHD in Spain despite a high background prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors.

Source : Br J Nutr. 2011 Mar 30:1-7.

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