Section Review—Cardiovascular & Renal: n-3 Fatty Acids as Adjuvants to Conventional Therapy in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

Whether dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (also called omega-3 fatty acids or fish oils) may be beneficial in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is at the present time a matter of debate. In this review, we consider some basic concepts of n-3 PUFA, discuss epidemiological data, animal experiments and the effects of n-3 PUFA on cardiovascular risk factors. The studies on clinical outcome in patients with CAD and safety aspects are reviewed in order to provide a basis for further understanding of the potential value of dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA. Some recommendations for daily clinical practice and suggestions for future research are also given.