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Eskimos have CHD despite high consumption of omega-3 fatty acids: the Alaska Siberia project
Sven O E Ebbesson1, Patricia M Risica, Lars O E Ebbesson
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908-0212, USA. se6b@virginia.edu
Insights
This study found no association between high omega-3 fatty acid (FA) intake and reduced coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in Alaskan Eskimos, challenging previous hypotheses. Omega-3 FA consumption did not differ between those with or without CHD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Background:
- A long-standing hypothesis suggests omega-3 fatty acids (FA) may prevent thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
- This idea originated from observations of low coronary atherosclerosis in Greenlandic Inuit with high omega-3 FA diets.
- Previous data has not conclusively demonstrated this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between omega-3 FA consumption and coronary heart disease (CHD) in Alaskan Eskimos.
- To test the hypothesis that high omega-3 FA intake protects against CHD development.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 454 Alaskan Eskimos.
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) screening included ECG, medical history, Rose questionnaire, and blood chemistries.
- Dietary intake of omega-3 FA was assessed via 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaires, with plasma FA concentrations measured.
Main Results:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) prevalence was 6% in those under 55 and 26% in those 55 and older.
- Eskimos with CHD consumed similar amounts of omega-3 FAs as those without CHD.
- Plasma FA concentrations corroborated the dietary assessment findings.
Conclusions:
- Alaskan Eskimos exhibited high average daily omega-3 FA consumption (3-4 g/d) compared to American populations (0.2 g/d) and intervention study levels (1-2 g/d).
- No association was found between current omega-3 FA consumption or blood concentrations and the presence of CHD.
- The study did not support the hypothesis that high omega-3 FA intake prevents CHD in this population.
Objectives:
The thirty-year-old hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acid (FA) may "reduce the development of thrombosis and atherosclerosis in the Western World" still needs to be tested. Dyerberg-Bang based their supposition on casual observations that coronary atherosclerosis in Greenlandic Inuit was 'almost unknown' and that they consumed large amounts of omega-3 FAs. However, no association was demonstrated with data.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Methods:
454 Alaskan Eskimos were screened for coronary heart disease (CHD), using a protocol that included ECG, medical history, Rose questionnaire, blood chemistries, including plasma FA concentrations, and a 24-hour recall and a food frequency questionnaire assessment of omega-3 FA consumption.
Results:
CHD was found in 6% of the cohort under 55 years of age and in 26% of those > or = 55 years of age. Eskimos with CHD consume as much omega-3 FAs as those without CHD, and the plasma concentrations confirm that dietary assessment.
Conclusions:
Average daily consumption of omega-3 FAs among Eskimos was high, with about 3-4 g/d reported, compared with 1-2 g/d used in intervention studies and the average consumption of 0.2 g/d by the American population. There was no association between current omega-3 FA consumption/blood concentrations and the presence of CHD.