GISSI Study finds Omega-3s Reduce the Risk
of Repeat Heart Attacks
ITALY, May, 2000 - Italian researchers have found that daily doses
of the essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic
(DHA) and gamma-linolenic acid help reduce the chances of a second or
third myocardial infarction (heart attack) by as much as 45%.
The purpose of the GISSI study was to investigate the
effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E on cardiovascular events
post myocardial infarction. Between October 1993 to September 1995,
11,324 patients participated in this trial. To qualify as a participant
for the study, the patients must have survived a recent myocardial infarction
(less than three months prior to being enrolled in the study). Patients
were randomly assigned to four treatment groups:
- Group 1- Patients received 1 g of fish oil (containing 85% EPA
and DHA in a ratio of 1.2:1)
- Group 2- Patients received 300 mg of vitamin E (synthetic a-tocopherol)
- Group 3- Patients received a combination of omega-3 and vitamin
E
- Group 4- Control group, patients did not receive treatment
The results were very significant for dietary supplementation with
omega-3s from fish oil. Treatment with omega-3s resulted in a 45%
reduction in the risk of having a sudden fatal heart attack, a 30%
decrease from cardiovascular mortality and a 20% reduction in overall
mortality. Vitamin E was found to have no benefit and its effects
on fatal cardiovascular events requires further exploration.1
The ratio used in the GISSI study was 32/27 EPA/DHA. This can be found
in a 750 mg fish oil concentrate soft gel containing an EPA/DHA ratio
of 1.2:1. To achieve the same dosage of EPA and DHA that was given in
the study, simply take two easy to swallow soft gels with this dosage
per day.
This formula is ideal for:
- people who have already suffered a myocardial infarction
- people who wish to reduce their risk of mortality and morbidity
from cardiovascular events.
- people wanting to lower their risk of coronary heart disease.
While altering your diet to include more fish, is a start, supplementing
with this combination is the best way to ensure you are protecting yourself
from coronary heart disease and treating your heart right!
Source: Lancet 1999; 354(9177): 447-55.
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