Marine (n-3) fatty acids, fish consumption, and the 10-year risk of fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease in a large population of Dutch adults with low fish intake

J Nutr. 2010 May;140(5):1023-8. doi: 10.3945/jn.109.119271. Epub 2010 Mar 24.

Abstract

We assessed the dose-response relations within a low range of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and fish intake on fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI). In a Dutch population-based cohort study, EPA+DHA and fish intake were assessed at baseline among 21,342 participants aged 20-65 y with no history of MI or stroke. Hazard ratios were calculated with Cox proportional-hazard models. During 9-14 y of follow-up (mean 11.3 y), 647 participants (3%) died, of which 82 of CHD. Fatal CHD mainly comprised MI (64 cases). In total, 252 participants survived an MI. Median intakes in quartiles of EPA+DHA were 40, 84, 151, and 234 mg/d. Medians of fish consumption in quartiles were 1.1, 4.2, 10.7, and 17.3 g/d. Compared with the lowest quartile of EPA+DHA, participants in the top quartile had a 49% lower risk of fatal CHD (95% CI: 6-73%) and a 62% lower risk of fatal MI (95% CI: 23-81%). We observed inverse dose-response relations for EPA+DHA intake and fatal CHD (P-trend = 0.05) and fatal MI (P-trend = 0.01). Results were similar for fish consumption. Nonfatal MI was not associated with EPA+DHA or fish intake. In conclusion, in populations with a low fish consumption, EPA+DHA and fish may lower fatal CHD and MI risk in a dose-responsive manner. Low intakes of EPA+DHA or fish do not seem to protect against nonfatal MI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Cohort Studies
  • Coronary Disease / mortality*
  • Coronary Disease / prevention & control
  • Diet*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / administration & dosage*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Fishes
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / mortality*
  • Myocardial Infarction / prevention & control
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Risk Factors
  • Seafood*

Substances

  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid