DHA/EPA in the news

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DHA/EPA in the news

Postby RusticBohemian » Fri Sep 10, 2021 5:40 pm

This meta-analysis has recently been in the news: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-22370-2

We found that, after multivariable adjustment for relevant risk factors, risk for death from all causes was significantly lower (by 15–18%, at least p < 0.003) in the highest vs the lowest quintile for circulating long chain (20–22 carbon) omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids). Similar relationships were seen for death from cardiovascular disease, cancer and other causes. No associations were seen with the 18-carbon omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid. These findings suggest that higher circulating levels of marine n-3 PUFA are associated with a lower risk of premature death.


In contrast, ALA was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality


So short-chain ALA from flax, didn't improve mortality risk, while marine DHA/EPA made a significant impact. My understanding is that a person just taking in ALA from flax would not be able to synthesize enough to reach the DHA/EPA levels that saw the greatest reduction in mortality.

Jeff — You're great at giving perspective on studies like this. How should we thinking about the findings?
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