Takeaway
- Fish consumption and fish oil supplements showed no protective effect against the risk for atherosclerosis, but consumption of lean fish showed a preventive effect against atherosclerotic plaque.
- Findings suggest that the beneficial effects of fish consumption on atherosclerosis may be mediated through other mechanisms than n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs).
Why this matters
- The use of n-3 PUFA at a dose of approximately 1 g/day has been endorsed in patients with previous myocardial infarction or in heart failure patients without preserved left ventricular function.
- Whether long-chain n–3 PUFAs of marine origin have an anti-atherogenic effect in the general population has hardly been studied.
Study design
- Population-based study of 3900 participants (aged 45-74 years) who consumed fish and fish oil and underwent carotid ultrasonography.
- Participants were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire and were followed for 7 years.
- Funding: University Hospital of North Norway.
Key results
- At baseline, 1884 participants reported at least 1 plaque.
- Lean fish intake of <1 time/week vs 1-1.9 times/week was associated with increased risk for plaque (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.03-1.76).
- No association was seen between total or fatty fish intake and plaque prevalence.
- During follow-up, patients with no plaque at baseline and total fish intake ≥3 times/week vs 1-1.9 times/week was associated with increased risk for novel plaque (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01-1.73) and larger total plaque area (1.76 mm2 vs 1.46 mm2).
Limitations
- Risk for bias.
References
References
