Long-chain n-3 fatty acids and classical cardiovascular disease risk factors among the Catalan population

The protective cardiovascular effect of long-chain n-3 fatty acids has been firmly established in populations with high fish consumption, like those from Mediterranean countries. The current fish consumption in a representative sample from Catalonia, a Mediterranean region, and its relationship with plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) and some classical cardiovascular disease risk factors was evaluated. Mean fish and seafood intake was 78.5 ± 51.4 g/day. Mean plasma concentrations of EPA and DHA were respectively 0.48% and 1.99% of total fatty acids. Consumption of marine foods among the Catalan population, the main source of n-3 fatty acids, appears to beneficially affect some cardiovascular disease risk factors. Our results show that both EPA and DHA are negatively associated with triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations and the ratio of total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-cholesterol. Furthermore, EPA but not DHA has a beneficial effect on plasma HDL-cholesterol among the Catalan population. There were no significant associations between long-chain n-3 fatty acids and LDL-cholesterol, TC, glucose, insulin or blood pressure. Oily fish intake, which is richest in EPA and DHA, is currently at an order of only 1 serving per week in the Catalan population and its increase should therefore be promoted.