New Data Reveals DHA and EPA May Have Impact on Bad Cholesterol

(Newswire.net — September 4, 2020) Orlando, FL — Omega-3 fatty acids have long been believed to be extremely therapeutic. They are thought to offer a range of therapeutic benefits on human health.

New data reveals DHA and EPA may have differential effects on bad cholesterol. Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are two of the most common types of omega-3 fats.

Omega-3s are considered essential for overall health. They are even thought to be vital for the proper functioning and health of the human body and brain. 

The results of a laboratory study at the National Lipid Association (NLA) 2011 Scientific Sessions reveal the differential effects on LDL cholesterol of EPA and DHA.  

Dr. Preston Mason, Senior Investigator from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, reveals that EPA acts as a lipid oxidation inhibitor at normal and elevated cholesterol levels, whether or not DHA is present.

It was also found that DHA appeared to have no impact on lipid peroxidation. It has been asked why bad cholesterol levels sky-rocket in individuals who received triglyceride-lowering omega-3 fatty acids. 

There have been quite a number of trials that tried to find the answer to such a clinical question. In this particular trial, Dr. Mason states that these two omega-3s have differential effects on LDL cholesterol levels.

He added that EPA might have the ability to preferentially reduce or eliminate LDL oxidation. In the study, EPA successfully inhibited the formation of lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) by 42%. This inhibition was also seen in vesicles with normal and elevated cholesterol levels by 54%.  

On the other hand, DHA inhibited LOOH by 28% in vesicles, but only with elevated cholesterol levels. 

It is also worth mentioning that the different effects of DHA, EPA, and EPA/DHA were improved when utilized in combination with statin therapy. EPA demonstrated the most potent antioxidant capacity. In general, statins are lipophilic. 

There are many pharmaceutical drugs that are formulated to regulate bad cholesterol levels. However, it is worth mentioning that these medications may also be linked with side effects. 

The risk of these side effects has caused a scare among many individuals who have bad cholesterol levels. Instead of being able to manage their condition better, sufferers may be at risk of health dangers when using certain medications. 

Utilizing fish oil may be a potential way to manage cholesterol levels. Fish oil supplements normally contain adequate doses of omega-3s, which may make them advantageous.  

The use of fish oil supplements has also been linked with various potential health benefits. The most notable supplements have been processed through molecular distillation, which reduces or eliminates environmental pollutants from fish oil.

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