AHA Endorses Fish Oil Prescription for High Triglycerides

Prescription omega-3 fatty acids are an "effective and safe option" to cut down triglycerides, according to a science advisory released by the American Heart Association (AHA).

However, over-the-counter omega-3 supplements are not considered or approved by the FDA and should not be used in place of prescription for long-term management of high triglycerides, Ann Skulas-Ray, PhD, of the University of Arizona, Tucson, in a press release.

Prescription omega-3 fatty acids "at a dose of 4 g / d, are clinically useful for reducing triglycerides, and are used as adjunct to other triglyceride-lowering therapies. , "her group concluded.

Fish oil products containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and / or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) taken at least to be shown to reduce triglyceride levels by at least 30% in patients with triglycerides of 500 mg / dL or greater, according to the statement published online in circulation.

EPA-only formulations did not raise LDL cholesterol in this group, with EPA-DHA combination did, authors noted.

Among people with hypertriglyceridemia in the 200-499 mg / dL range, the 4-g / day dose of prescription omega-3 fatty acids decreased triglycerides by 20% to 30% without significantly increasing LDL cholesterol.

Nevertheless, these symptoms may be accompanied by mild gastrointestinal complaints or nausea, so the AHA document recommended taking them with meals.

Available prescription omega-3 fatty acids include Lovaza (EPA + DHA) and Vascepa (EPA only), the latter of which was shown to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events by 25% over 5 years among statin-takers in the REDUCE-IT trial.

Next year, the STRENGTH trial is expected to shed light on the cardiovascular outcomes of EPA + DHA prescription in patients with high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol on statins, Skulas-Ray's group noted.

Another question is whether omega-3 fatty acid supplementation works in children and adolescents: Negative findings have been reported from trials in which lower doses are included.

The AHA statement states that it is "apparently safe," but at least 3 g / d EPA + DHA in children with 200-499 mg / dL triglycerides are needed to improve safety, safety, and tolerability in this population.

2019-08-20T14: 00: 00-0400