CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF N-3 FATTY-ACIDS IN THE ELDERLY

Numerous studies indicate that dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids reduces the incidence of and morbidity associated with cardiovas cular disease in middle-aged men. From these studies and the few trial s conducted in older people, it can be assumed that the elderly may al so benefit from the short-term effects of a moderate increase in the c onsumption of fish, such as reductions in platelet aggregation, plasma triglyceride levels and blood pressure. More clinical trials are need ed to evaluate the beneficial long-term effects and the safety of incr eased n-3 fatty acid intake in the elderly, especially that of higher, pharmacological doses.