ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Effects on the Cardiometabolic Syndrome and their Role in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: An Update from the Recent Literature

Recent Adv Cardiovasc Drug Discov. 2014;9(2):78-96. doi: 10.2174/1574890110666150724115111.

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid of the ω-3 family of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are abundant in fatty fish and other marine sources. Their consistent consumption has been related to an improved cardiovascular risk especially in high risk patients and populations. In this review, we presented major findings about potential mechanisms of action and clinical evidence regarding ω-3 PUFA effect on the control and prevention of cardiovascular disease. This review is an update of our previous review (Colussi et al. Recent Pat Cardiovasc Drug Discov 2007;2:13-31) in which we additionally summarize and comment new literature of the past few years. Despite clinical studies have been significantly increased in the last years, the evidence in support of a beneficial role of ω-3 PUFA in cardiovascular prevention is still relatively weak. The growing improvement of medical interventions for cardiovascular prevention might explain why these molecules appear to have limited impact on the cardiovascular risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Dietary Supplements* / adverse effects
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / adverse effects
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Syndrome / complications
  • Metabolic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Metabolic Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Protective Factors
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3