[Marine oils and prevention of cardiovascular diseases]

Observations done in Greenland Eskimos, and then confirmed in other populations, have led to the hypothesis that a diet rich in marine oils is associated with a low incidence of coronary heart disease. Marine oils are rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which, if consumed in large amounts, influence plasma lipid concentrations (mainly by lowering triglycerides), and modify the synthesis of eicosanoids (leukotrienes and prostanoids) with effects on haemostasis, vasomotility and inflammation. Many experimental studies suggest that fish oils may exert and anti-atherosclerotic action. However, direct evidence (through prospective preventive trials) remains insufficient to establish that dietary supplements of marine oils prevent arterial diseases in humans efficiently. Aside from the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia, no definitive recommendation can be made about the health benefits of marine oil supplement.