Mixed
Higher circulating biomarkers of plant-derived alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and seafood-derived long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (DPA, DHA) are associated with a modestly lower risk of fatal coronary heart disease (CHD).
Focus on maintaining healthy blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, primarily through a diet rich in plant sources (like ALA from flax/chia) and seafood (providing DPA/DHA). This study suggests that higher levels of these fats in your body are linked to a roughly 10% lower risk of dying from heart disease. While this doesn't necessarily prevent non-fatal heart attacks, preventing death is a critical benefit. You don't need to over-supplement; ensuring your diet supports these biomarkers is the key takeaway.
In continuous (per 1-SD increase) multivariable-adjusted analyses, the ω-3 biomarkers ALA, DPA, and DHA were associated with a lower risk of fatal CHD, with relative risks (RRs) of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.84-0.98) for ALA, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.85-0.96) for DPA, and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.84-0.96) for DHA.
Why this rating
Large-scale pooled analysis of 19 prospective studies with 45,637 participants and objective biomarkers reduces recall bias common in dietary self-report studies.
Source
ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biomarkers and Coronary Heart Disease
Liana C. Del Gobbo et al. · JAMA Internal Medicine · 2016
DOI 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.2925
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