A comprehensive study led by scientists from Federico II University of Naples and other institutions reveals that fatty fish consumption, rather than lean fish, may offer significant benefits for heart health.
This research, conducted by Annalisa Giosuè and her team, was published in the journal Advances in Nutrition.
Fish intake has long been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, a benefit attributed partly to the high content of long-chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
These nutrients are known to play a crucial role in various metabolic and physiological processes.
However, not all fish types contain the same levels of these beneficial fatty acids, raising the question of whether the heart health advantages of fish consumption apply equally to fatty and lean fish.
To address this, the researchers conducted a systematic review of fully published prospective human studies.
They compared data from studies focusing on the highest versus the lowest fish intake levels. The review encompassed 19 research articles, including studies on both fatty and lean fish.
The analysis of studies on fatty fish covered 1,320,596 person-years of follow-up, with data on 20,531 coronary heart disease cases, 9,256 cardiovascular disease cases, and 104,763 total deaths.
On the other hand, studies on lean fish included 937,362 person-years of follow-up, with 21,636 cases of coronary heart disease, 7,315 cases of cardiovascular disease, and 16,831 total deaths.
The findings were significant. Intake of fatty fish was linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease, heart disease-related deaths, and all-cause mortality.
However, the same was not true for lean fish. The summary estimates did not show a strong association between lean fish intake and reduced incidence or death from heart disease.
Based on these results, the researchers concluded that the heart health benefits commonly associated with fish intake are primarily driven by fatty fish.
This distinction is crucial for dietary recommendations and public health messages, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right type of fish for maximum heart health benefits.
The study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the inclusion of fatty fish in a heart-healthy diet.
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