ω-3 Fatty Acids and Later-Life Mortality

In older adults, higher circulating ω-3 fatty acid levels were associated with lower cardiovascular-related mortality.

Trials of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω3-PUFA) supplementation for preventing cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality — most of which have involved patients with or at high risk for CV disease — generally have failed to show that supplementation improves outcomes. Results from the latest negative randomized trial have just been published (JW Gen Med May 8 2013).

In this observational study, researchers took a different approach: They evaluated the association between plasma levels of ω3-PUFAs and mortality in 2692 older people (mean age, 74) without coronary heart disease, stroke, or heart failure who were not taking ω3-PUFA supplements when they underwent baseline testing in 1992 or 1993.

During 16 years of follow-up, 1625 deaths occ…

Reviewing Author

Jamaluddin Moloo, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportColorado Health Foundation

Jamaluddin Moloo, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportColorado Health Foundation