OMEGA 3 CONSUMPTION AND LOWER DEATH RATES IN ELDERLY by Luke Curtis MD

 
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in flax oil, fish oil and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herring.   Omega 3 fatty acids are also found in smaller quantities in vegetable oils such as canola and soybean oils and in walnuts, pumpkin seeds and watermelon seeds.

Many experts recommend daily consumption of at least 2 to 4 grams of omega 3 fatty acids.  A teaspoon of fish or flax oil will provide roughly 2 grams of omega 3 fats.

Several studies have reported that higher consumption of omega 3 fats have been associated with significantly lower death rates in the elderly.  A recently Norwegian study of 254 elderly patients reported that high consumption of omega 3 fats in the diet (above about 2 grams a day) was associated with a 48% lower overall death rate (results statistically significant).  Death rates from heart disease and stroke were also significantly lower in the patients receiving high levels of omega 3 fatty acids.  This research was published in the September 2008 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Other studies have noted that high consumption of omega 3 fats reduces risk of serious infection in the frail elderly.

Other studies have reported that higher consumption of omega 3 fatty acids have been associated with lower levels of depression and improved symptoms in patients with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and asthma.