Higher Omega 3 levels intake may lower risk of total and ischemic stroke

A 2021 global study revealed that 1 in 4 adults will experience a stroke in their lifetime, making it the second-leading cause of death and third-leading cause of death and disability combined. Traditionally, diets low in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol (high-fibre diets) are the nutritional-based approach to preventing these conditions. Marine omega-3 PUFAs have also shown potential in preventing CVD.

According to a recent study published in STROKE, Higher omega-3 levels are linked to a lower risk of total and ischemic stroke; there is no association with hemorrhagic stroke.

The effect of marine omega-3 PUFAs on the risk of stroke remains unclear. This study investigated the associations between circulating and tissue omega-3 PUFA levels and incident stroke (total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic). The study design included 29 international prospective cohorts with 183,291 participants. Each site conducted de novo individual-level analyses. Harmonized data is centrally pooled and analyzed.

Out of 183,291 participants, 10,561 strokes were observed, including 8,220 ischemic and 1,142 hemorrhagic strokes, during a median follow-up of 14.3 years. For eicosapentaenoic acid, comparing quintile 5 with quintile 1, total stroke incidence was 17% lower and ischemic stroke was 18% lower with HR 0.83 and 0.82, respectively.

For docosahexaenoic acid, comparing Q5 with Q1, there was a 12% lower incidence of total stroke and a 14% lower incidence of ischemic stroke with HR, 0.88 and 0.86, respectively. Neither eicosapentaenoic acid nor docosahexaenoic acid was associated with a risk for hemorrhagic stroke. These associations were not modified by baseline AF history or prevalent CVD.

James H. O’Keefe said This analysis of prospective studies found that long-chain omega-3 PUFA levels were inversely associated with f total and ischemic stroke risk, but not with hemorrhagic stroke risk. Therefore, higher DHA and EPA intakes may lower the stroke risk.

Reference: O’Keefe et al. Omega-3 blood levels and stroke risk: A pooled and harmonized analysis of 183 291 participants from 29 prospective studies. Stroke, 55(1), 50–58. https://doi.org/10.1161/strokeaha.123.044281