The United States has record rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease, and heart disease is the nation's number one killer. Omega-3 fatty acids have been heralded as a way of counteracting some of the negative effects of the typical American diet, which is a major influence in heart disease. Omega-3 has a residual effect of thinning the blood.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 are fatty acids. Their names are based on the location of the first double bond in their molecular structure. For instance, the first double bond in omega-3 is located at the third carbon atom.
Some fatty acids are essential to the human diet. Others are not. Your body produces omega-9. For that reason, it is referred to as a non-essential fatty acid -- you don't absolutely have to consume it to survive and thrive. Omega-6 and omega-3 are essential fatty acids. Your body needs them but can't synthesize them, so you must consume them through your diet. Omega-6, which increases inflammation in the body, is over-represented in the typical Western diet. Omega-3, which decreases inflammation, is under-represented, and is more prevalent in Mediterranean style diets that nutritionists now perceive as superior.
Omega-3 and Blood Thinning
Omega-3 has blood-thinning properties in that it slows the formation of blood clots, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This makes omega-3 of interest in the prevention of strokes, which occur when blood clots travel to the brain. Patients who have had stents, or small tubes, surgically installed in their coronary arteries to keep them open may also benefit from fish oil, which appears to retard the growth of blood clots that can block the stent openings.
Risks of Omega-3
Although all this sounds promising, you need to take caution when using omega-3. Large dosages that thin your blood also increase your risk of bleeding. Omega-3 can also react with other medications, multiplying their blood thinning effects to dangerous levels. For this reason, it's necessary to allow your doctor to assess your individual dosage level for omega-3.
Dosages
Healthy adults with no history of heart disease can obtain adequate levels of omega-3 by eating food such as salmon or mackerel twice a week. If you have a history of heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends a daily supplement of 1 g of EPA and DHA, two omega-3 fats. If you have high cholesterol, the AHA states that a dosage of 2 g to 4 g daily may be appropriate, but this dosage should not be taken without a doctor's supervision.
Member Comments