Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D on cardiovascular diseases.

PuFA = polyunsaturated fatty acids CVD = cardiovascular disease omega-3 PuFa Most of the evidence of the benefits of omega-3 PUFA was obtained for long-chain fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, the active components of fish oils [1]. Humans get omega-3 PUFA from fish oils. The original source of the omega-3 found in fish oils is marine microorganisms. The current American Heart Association dietary guidelines recommend combined EPA3 and DHA4 at a dose of approximately 1000 mg/day for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and consumption of two oily fish meals per week (equivalent to about 500 mg/day of combined EPA and DHA) for primary prevention [2]. In patients with hypertriglyceridemia, moderate to high doses of PUFA (2–4 g/day) are required in addition to other lipid-lowering treatment.