February 7, 2000 – A small study of 30 patients with high cholesterol has found that fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids significantly improve artery dilation and blood circulation.
The subjects were divided into two groups, one taking a daily fish oil supplement, the other a placebo. After four months, tests showed that the dilation of the arteries had doubled in the experimental group while it had not moved in the placebo group.
The process of dilating arteries depends on the endothelium, the membrane that lines the arteries. However, a high cholesterol level can hinder the functioning of this membrane, which causes constriction of the arteries and reduced blood circulation.
It should be noted that neither this study nor other previous studies showed an effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on cholesterol levels. On the other hand, previous studies have shown that fish oil supplements change the composition of fat in cell membranes, which eventually improves the dilation of blood vessels.
Essentially, this study shows that fish oils containing omega-3s are good for blood circulation and heart health, and may improve the lot of people with too high blood cholesterol.
HealthPassport.net
According to Reuters, February 2, 2000. Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiologyy 2000; 35: 265-270.
