Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia
Pirillo A Int J Cardiol, 2013 July 12; [Epub ahead of print].
In a review of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, the authors found both EPA and DHA to dose-dependently reduce plasma triglyceride levels, with the effects greater in patients with higher triglyceride levels at baseline. In order to have significant effects, dosages of at least 2 grams, and higher, were required, with the optimum dosages being 3-4 g/day of EPA+DHA, and with little evidence showing benefit of doses less than 1 g/d. When the recommended dietary intakes of EPA and/or DHA (200-500 mg/d) were consumed, the predicted changes in fasting serum TG were -3.1% to -7.2%, as compared to the reductions in plasma TG levels when given optimal doses of EPA and DHA are from 25-35% to 45% (the greater reductions found when TG levels are severely elevated (500 mg/dl or greater) at baseline. When given optimal doses, reductions in non-HDL-cholesterol and an increase in HDL-cholesterol were also found. These results have also been confirmed in patients taking statin drugs. These results suggest the benefits of EPA + DHA in reducing elevated triglycerides if given in dosages of at least 2 grams and higher.
