Positive Health Online

Abstract

MCKENNEY and SICA, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA, jmckenney@ncrinc.net, have reviewed (42 references) n-3 fatty acids for the treatment of high levels of triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridaemia).

Abstract: The aim of this study was to present a review of the key properties and trial results associated with prescription n-3 fatty acids and a description of its place in the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia and coronary heart disease risk. n-3 fatty acids are made from fish oil, which is put through a purification process that purifies, and concentrates eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Each 1-g capsule provides 840 mg of EPA and DHA; the remaining 160 mg contains other omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated acids. When used at a daily dose of 4 g in patients with very high triglycerides (> or = 500 mg/dL), this fish oil preparation reduces triglycerides by an average of 45% and very-low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol by more than 50%. Changes in high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol are usually modest. n-3 fatty acids have been tested in a large, multicentre, open-label, randomized, controlled trial conducted in 11,324 patients. The results of the trial demonstrated significant reductions in all endpoints with the use of n-3 fatty acids. N-3 fatty acids have demonstrated an efficacy and safety in adult patients with high and very high triglycerides adjunct to diet, and the reduction in serum triglyceride levels was dependent on the baseline triglyceride levels. A large controlled clinical trial is necessary to determine if n-3 fatty acids can be used to reduce coronary heart disease risk, either as combined with hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors or by itself.

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References

McKenney JM, Sica D. Prescription omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy 64 (6): 595-605, Mar 15, 2007.