Potential mechanisms by which Omega-3 may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease:
- Reduce susceptibility of the heart to ventricular rrhythmia
- Antithrombogenic
- Hypotriglyceridemic (fasting and postprandial)
- Retard growth of atherosclerotic plaque
- Reduce adhesion molecule expression
- Reduce platelet-derived growth factor
- Anti-inflammatory
- Promote nitric oxide-induced endothelial relaxation
- Mildly hypotensive
Depression and mood-related disorders are thought to be aided by:
- Increasing membrane fluidity
- Normalizing signal transduction
- Reducing inflammation
- Activating nuclear receptors
Adapted from: Connor, W.E. Importance of n-3 fatty acids in health and disease. Am. J Clin Nutr. 2000; 71 (1 Suppl): 171S – 175S