In 2008, the Heart Foundation released a position statement providing recommendations to the general population and health professionals on the consumption of fish, fish oils and omega 3 fatty acids (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) to improve the cardiovascular health of all Australians.

The important omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant based omega 3 fatty acid that has many health benefits, but does not benefit cardiovascular health as well as the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish.

To lower their risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) the Heart Foundation recommends for all Australians to consume about 500mg per day of combined DHA and EPA through a combination of two or three serves (150g each) of oily fish per week, fish oil capsules or liquid, food and drinks enriched with marine n-3 PUFA. Good sources of fish containing EPA and DHA are herring, sardines, salmon, rainbow trout and tuna.

It is also recommended that at least 2g of ALA be consumed daily. Two grams of ALA can be achieved by eating 1 Tablespoon of Linseeds/Flaxseeds, or approximately 30 grams of walnuts, or approximately 1 teaspoon of Flaxseed oil. Other sources which could also be combined over the day include canola oil (1 tablespoon provides 1.2g of ALA), soybean oil (1 tablespoon provides 0.9g of ALA) and tofu (1/2 cup of firm tofu provides 0.7g of ALA).

The Heart Foundation recommends that health professionals should advise adult Australians with documented CHD to follow similar advice but specifically aim to consume 1000mg of combined DHA and EPA through a combination of foods and supplements.

Specifically, adults with elevated triglycerides (TG) should take fish oil capsules or liquid and marine n-3 PUFA enriched foods and drink as first-line therapy. Start with a dose of 1200mg per day of DHA and EPA and if appropriate, increase the dose to 4000mg per day of DHA and EPA. Check the patient’s response every 3 to 4 weeks when the dose is changed until target TG levels are reached.

The position statement also provides cautions on the consumption of fish with high methylmercury content i.e. shark (flake), broadbill, marlin, swordfish, orange roughy (sea perch), catfish and fresh tuna. There are specific recommendations for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women planning pregnancy, and children.

The Heart Foundation advocates change within the food industry, and from the government, to encourage their recommendations.

The Heart Foundation guidelines and position statement can be viewed at www.heartfoundation.org.au/Professional_Information/Lifestyle_Risk/Nutrition

Content created May 14, 2009