Omega-3 fatty acids 'may help reduce physical harm caused by smoking'

Washington, Apr 21 (ANI): Intake of Omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce the physical damage that is caused by smoking, a new study has revealed.

The study, carried out in Greece, assessed the effect of four-week oral treatment with 2 g per day of omega-3 fatty acids on the arterial wall properties of cigarette smokers.

The results showed that short-term treatment with omega-3 fatty acids improves arterial stiffness and moderates the acute smoking-induced impairment of vascular elastic properties in smokers.

"These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the detrimental effects of smoking on arterial function, which is an independent prognostic marker of cardiovascular risk," Gerasimos Siasos from the University of Athens Medical School, said.

"The cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids appear to be due to a synergism between multiple, intricate mechanisms involving anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects.

"Furthermore, AHA recommends that people without documented history of coronary heart disease should consume a variety of fish (preferably oily - rich in omega-3 fatty acids) at least twice per week," Siasos said.

The study has been recently presented at the World Congress of Cardiology. (ANI)