Positive Health Online

Abstract

SEIERSTAD and colleagues, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway, have examined the different effects of salmon reared on different foods on atherosclerosis.

Background

Cardioprotective effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) from fish are well recognized. Because of the shortness of marine resources, vegetable oils are increasingly used in fish farming. The aim of this study was to look at the effects on human health of fish fed on vegetable oils.

Methodology

In this double-blinded intervention study, 60 patients with coronary heart disease were randomized to three groups and instructed to consume approximately 700g per week for 6 weeks of differently fed Atlantic salmon. The types of salmon were fed on 100% fish oil, 100% rapeseed oil or 50% of each. Patient analyses before and after the intervention period included serum fatty acid profile, serum lipoproteins, and markers of vascular inflammation.

Results

The serum fatty acid profiles of the patients after the intervention mirrored those of the corresponding salmon feeds. Significant differences between the groups were obtained, especially for the levels of total n-3 PUFAs and the n-3/n-6 ratio, which were markedly increased in the fish oil group in contrast to the two other groups (p < 0.02). Additionally, significant reductions of serum triglycerides and of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-6 were obtained in patients receiving the fish oil diet when compared with the two other groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Atlantic salmon very high in n-3 PUFAs of marine origin seems to lead to favourable biochemical changes in people compared with salmon with intermediate and low levels of marine n-3 PUFAs.

References

Seierstad SL, Seljeflot I, Johansen O, Hansen R, Haugen M, Rosenlund G, Froyland L, Arnesen H. Dietary intake of differently fed salmon; the influence on markers of human atherosclerosis. European Journal of Clinical Investigation 35 (1): 52-59, Jan 2005.