[The effects of fish supplementation of platelet function, count and metabolism in healthy Japanese]

To investigate changes in platelet function, count and metabolism following fish intake among Japanese, we conducted an experimental intervention study of seven healthy Japanese volunteers (4 males and 3 females) aged 28-58 years. We supplemented their diets with an approximate daily intake of 200-400 g fish which is equivalent to about 10 g n3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (about 3.5 g eicosapentaenoic acid plus 5.0 g docosahexaenoic acid) during the 17 days. The study continued until the 23rd day after returning to an ad libitum diet. The proportion of serum n3-polyunsaturated fatty acids increased two-fold on 5th day and three-fold on 15th day of fish supplementation, but decreased to one and a half-fold on the 2nd day and returned to the level before fish supplementation on the 12th day after returning to an ad libitum diet. The proportion of serum n6-polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased by 17% to the level before fish supplementation on the 5th day, 33% on the 15th day of fish supplementation. However, the decrease was only 10% on the 2nd day and the proportion returned to the same level as before fish supplementation on the 12th day after returning to an ad libitum diet. As a result, the serum n3/n6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio increased four-fold on the 15th day of fish supplementation, and returned to the baseline level on the 12th day after returning to an ad libitum diet. Platelet counts decreased and the mean platelet volume increased during fish supplementation. Both parameters returned to the level before fish supplementation on the 12th day after returning to an ad libitum diet. The counts and proportion of large type platelets increased significantly during fish supplementation. Although platelet aggregation by ADP (adenosine 5'-diphosphate) did not change significantly, platelet aggregation by collagen tended to decrease during fish supplementation. Platelet factor 4, one of the indices of platelet activity, decreased significantly during fish supplementation. The mean serum triglyceride level declined during fish supplementation, but returned to the level just before fish supplementation on the 2nd day after returning to an ad libitum diet. The mean plasma fibrinogen level tended to decline during fish supplementation and remained lower until the 12th day after returning to an ad libitum diet. Habitual fish intake may attenuate the development of atherosclerosis and prevent ischemic heart disease through suppression of platelet activity, and by reducing platelet counts and serum triglyceride levels.