Omega-3 fatty acids in subjects with untreated hypertension:
Evidence suggests that supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) may reduce blood pressure (BP). Appel, LJ et al reviewed research on omega-3 oils and hypertension. Of 11 trials that enrolled people with normal blood pressure (n=728), 2 found a reduction in systolic pressure (SBP) and 1 in diastolic pressure (DBP). Of 6 trials that enrolled untreated hypertensive subjects (n=291), 2 found significant reductions in SBP and 4 in DBP. Including all trials, average SBP and DBP reductions (mmHg) were -1.0 and -0.5 in the trials including normal blood pressure subjects, and -5.5 and -3.5 in the trials of untreated high blood pressure. The duration of 13 of these 17 trials was less than 3 months and generally omega-3 dose exceeded 3 g/day. Reduction of BP was greatest when BP was high but was not significantly associated with dose of fish oil. The authors conclude that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can produce clinically relevant BP reductions in subjects with untreated hypertension. (54)