EPA DHA Omega-3 Fish Oil Benefits are Gender Specific

Fish oil rich in EPA and DHA which are the two prominent omega-3 fatty acids is heart healthy for both men and women, but a new study finds that EPA and DHA have different effects on men and women .

The study, published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, suggests that differences in how males and females process eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could affect platelet aggregation – due to interactions with sex hormones. “The distinctive gender-specific, inhibitory response pattern observed in our study suggests that males may benefit more from EPA supplementation while females are more responsive to DHA,” wrote the researchers, led by Monohar Garg from the University of Newcastle in Australia.

Platelet aggregation occurs when platelets in the blood clump together. Platelet aggregation is part of the sequence of events leading to the formation of a thrombus (clot), and is a major risk factor for heart attacks and stroke. Previous research has shown omega-3 to have a protective role over thrombotic events; although it remains unclear which forms of omega-3 are the most advantageous.

For this study, researchers wanted to study the effects of dietary supplementation with EPA- or DHA-rich oils on platelet aggregation in healthy male and females. They conducted a blinded placebo-controlled trial involving 15 male and 15 female subjects. Platelet aggregation was measured at baseline and 2, 5 and 24 hours after each received a supplement of a single dose of a placebo, an EPA-rich oil capsule, or DHA-rich oil capsules. The relationship between each EFA and platelet activity at each time point was examined according to gender.

EPA was seen to be highly effective in men when compared to DHA and placebo, whereas in women it was DHA that was found to be significantly more effective than EPA and placebo.

“We have shown that gender-specific responses exist in platelet aggregation in the 24 h following dietary supplementation with a single oral dose of EPA or DHA rich oil capsules. – These data confirm our previous observations..,” stated the researchers.

The findings of the study could see a change in how omega-3’s are delivered in dietary supplements.

Source: Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. Published online ahead of print, doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2010.04.012 “Gender-specific inhibition of platelet aggregation following omega-3 fatty acid supplementation” Authors: M. Phang, A.J. Sinclair, L.F. Lincz, M.L. Garg.