THE EFFECT OF LOW-DOSE SUPPLEMENTATION WITH N-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY-ACIDS ON SOME RISK MARKERS OF CORONARY HEART-DISEASE

Epidemiological data have suggested that a low dose of dietary n-3 pol yunsaturated fatty acids from seafood may protect against coronary hea rt disease. We studied the effect of supplementation with a low dose o f very long-chain n-3 fatty acids (0.65 g day-1) on plasma lipids, hae mostasis, and neutrophil aggregation. Twenty-four healthy subjects wer e randomized to supplementation with very long-chain n-3 fatty acids o r a control oil for 8 weeks. Laboratory analyses were done twice befor e and twice at the end of the supplementation period. The supplement w ith n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid did not significantly affect plasma lipids or plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, plasminogen activa tor inhibitor, whole blood aggregation or aggregability of neutrophil leukocytes. Therefore, the potential beneficial effect of very long-ch ain n-3 fatty acids in coronary heart disease is likely to be mediated through other mechanisms.