Effects of a new fluid fish oil concentrate, ESKIMO-3, on triglycerides, cholesterol, fibrinogen and blood pressure.

Abstract

Eskimos have a very low incidence of cardiovascular disease, at least in part due to a high intake of n-3 fatty acids. ESKIMO-3 is a new stabilized (insensitive to oxidation) fluid fish oil concentrate, 30 ml of which contains an amount of eicosapentaenoic acid and total n-3 fatty acids equivalent to the daily intake among Eskimos. Thirty-three volunteers, healthy or with coronary artery disease, were given ESKIMO-3, at a dose of 15 or 30 ml d-1, corresponding to 2.7 or 5.4 g of eicosapentaenoic acid d-1, or placebo oil, for a period of up to 6 months. ESKIMO-3 had a pronounced dose-dependent effect on several risk factors for coronary artery disease. Intake of one tablespoon (15 ml) daily for 6 months significantly reduced levels of triglycerides (-64%), total cholesterol (-8%), plasma fibrinogen (-23%) and diastolic blood pressure (-9%). Bleeding time was unchanged. Intake of two tablespoons daily for 4 weeks increased plasma eicosapentaenoic acid levels by 490%, and decreased arachidonic acid by 20%. The HDL concentration increased by 21%. No change in the above mentioned variables was observed after intake of placebo oil.