Determinants of Blood Cell Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content

Overview

Journal Open Biomark J

Publisher Bentham Science Publishers

Date 2009 Dec 3

PMID 19953197

Citations 52

Authors

Robert C Block

William S Harris

James V Pottala

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although red blood cell eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content (the Omega-3 Index) predicts cardiovascular death, the factors determining the Index are unknown. METHODS: In 704 outpatients, we undertook an investigation of the clinical determinants of the Index. RESULTS: Factors associated with the Index in decreasing order were: EPA+DHA supplement use, fish consumption frequency, triglyceride level, age, high cholesterol history, and smoking. These factors explained 59% of Index variability, with capsules/fish intake together accounting for 47%. The Index increased by 13% (p< 0.0001) for each serving level increase in fish intake and EPA+DHA supplementation correlated with a 58% increase (p< 0.0001) regardless of background fish intake (p=0.25; test for interaction). A 100 mg/dL decrease in serum triglycerides was associated with a 15% higher (p<0.0001) Index. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of EPA+DHA-rich foods and supplements principally determined the Omega-3 Index, but explained only about half of the variability.

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