Habitual Oily Fish Intake and Microvascular Integrity in Frequent Fish Consumers: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional
Oscar H Del Brutto1, Denisse A Rumbea1, Carlos Ríos1
1Research Center, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador.
Journal of Primary Care & Community Health
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Eating oily fish regularly is linked to better microvascular health in older adults. This dietary habit may reduce capillary abnormalities and improve blood vessel density, supporting healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Microvascular health is crucial for functional aging and cardiometabolic risk.
- Marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) from oily fish offer endothelial benefits.
- Dietary habits like oily fish consumption may impact microvascular integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between habitual oily fish intake and microvascular integrity in older adults.
- To evaluate microvascular structure using nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC).
- To assess the role of a modifiable dietary behavior in primary care and public health.
Main Methods:
- A community-based pilot study involving 306 older adults.
- High-resolution nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) with AI-assisted quantification and expert validation.
- Dietary intake assessed via annual surveys over five years; multivariable linear models used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Higher oily fish intake correlated with fewer tortuous capillaries (β: -1.74).
- Increased oily fish consumption was associated with fewer dilated capillaries (β: -2.69).
- Greater capillary density was observed with higher oily fish intake (β: 0.43).
Conclusions:
- Sustained consumption of oily fish is linked to reduced structural microvascular abnormalities.
- These findings suggest oily fish intake may preserve microvascular health in aging populations.
- Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm causality and inform dietary recommendations.