American Heart Association Recommends DHA and EPA to Protect Heart
Columbia
MD, 21 November 2002
Martek
Biosciences Corporation today commented on the American Heart Association
(AHA) Scientific Statement entitled "Fish Consumption, Fish Oil,
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease," published in the
November 19, 2002 edition of Circulation: Journal of the American
Heart Association.
The
statement outlines the findings of a comprehensive report that examined
the cardiovascular health benefit of omega-3 fatty acids from plant
and fish sources, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA). The report concluded that consumption of such omega-3
fatty acids, either through diet or supplements, reduces the incidence
of cardiovascular disease. The statement refers to studies that
have indicated the following to be associated with the intake of
omega-3 fatty acids:
- Decreased
risk of sudden death and arrhythmia.
- Decreased
thrombosis (blood clot).
- Decreased
triglyceride levels.
- Decreased
growth of atherosclerotic plaque.
- Improved
arterial health.
- Lower
blood pressure.
The
statement concludes that omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in
epidemiological and clinical trials to reduce the incidence of heart
disease and recommends that healthy individuals eat a variety of
fish (preferably oily) at least twice a week. The statement cautioned,
however, that fish intake "must be balanced with concerns about
environmental pollutants" because some species of fish may contain
significant levels of methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
dioxins, and other contaminants. Both the FDA and the Environmental
Protection Agency have advised that children, pregnant women, women
who may become pregnant and nursing mothers limit their intake of
certain fish. In consideration of the health risks posed by such
contaminants, the authors of the statement conclude by stating,
"The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements,
free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their extensive
use."
Martek
Biosciences Corporation has developed a vegetarian, contaminant-
free form of the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA. Martek's plant-derived
DHA is the only DHA that has been reviewed by the FDA and cleared
for use in infant formulas. This contaminant-free DHA is also available
nationwide as an adult nutritional supplement under the trade name
"Neuromins®."
Martek
Biosciences Corporation (www.martekbio.com)
develops, manufactures and sells products from microalgae.
Source
Martek
Biosciences Corporation.
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