Exercise and High Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

"Exercise and High Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Lower CVD Risk in Overweight Young Adults"

Keywords:CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, OVERWEIGHT, OBESE - Omega-3 Fatty Acid Index, DHA, Cholesterol, LDL, HDL
Reference:'Cardiovascular risk factors in young, overweight, and obese European adults and associations with physical activity and omega-3 index,' Ramel A, Pumberger C, et al, Nutr Res, 2009; 29(5): 305-12. (Address: Unit for Nutrition Research, Landspitali University Hospital, University of Iceland, Reykjavik IS-101, Iceland. E-mail: alfons@landspitali.is ).

Summary:

In a cross-sectional study involving 324 subjects (20-40 years of age, BMI: 27.5-32.5 kg/m(2)), excess body fat was found to be the most important variable associated with increased risk of CVD in young overweight and obese adults, compared to physical activity and omega-3 index. In the study population as a whole, 41% were found to have increases in blood lipids, 32% were found to have elevated blood pressure, and 12% were found to have disturbed glucose metabolism. BMI was found to be significantly associated with increases in most CVD risk factors, excepting cholesterol levels (total, LDL, and HDL). Subjects who were the most physically active (highest quartile) were found to have lower fat mass, leptin, and interleukin-6, and higher HDL cholesterol. Levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in erythrocyte membrane were associated with lower LDL cholesterol. The omega-3 index was not associated with lower LDL cholesterol. These results suggest that, 'body fatness remains the most important variable associated with increased CVD risk factors in young overweight and obese adults,' however, physical activity and DHA status may help to reduce risk."