Macro partitioning
Higher dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is associated with a lower risk of total and non-cardiovascular mortality in older adults, but is not associated with cardiovascular mortality, coronary heart disease, or stroke.
If you are over 65, increasing your intake of plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (found in flaxseed, chia, and walnuts) is associated with a lower risk of dying from non-heart-related causes. However, relying on these plant sources to prevent heart attacks or strokes is not supported by this data. Focus on a balanced diet for cardiovascular health rather than expecting ALA to replace marine omega-3s for heart protection.
higher dietary ALA intake was found to be associated with a lower risk of total and non-cardiovascular mortality... Dietary ALA was found to be not associated with the risk of cardiovascular mortality, incident CHD or stroke.
Why this rating
Large prospective cohort study (n=2583) with long follow-up (up to 12 years) and rigorous adjustment for confounders, though observational design limits causal inference.
Source
Plasma phospholipid and dietary α-linolenic acid, mortality, CHD and stroke: the Cardiovascular Health Study
Amanda M. Fretts et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2014
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →