The relationship between omega-3 and blood lipids in older adults

Managing excess blood lipids (hyperlipidemia) remains a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.

Supplements containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to balance blood lipid profiles and reduce CVD risk. However, few studies have examined this in older adults. The aim was therefore to determine whether red blood cell omega-3 PUFA levels, the omega-3 index (O3I), are associated with lipid profiles in older adults.

Adults aged 65–95 participating in a retirement health and lifestyle study were sampled. Measures included omega-3 (EPA and DHA) and fasting lipids: total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TG). The study included 276 participants, mean age 76, of whom 40.9% were men.

Women had significantly higher omega-3 levels than men.

Across all participants, the omega-3 index was inversely associated with plasma triglycerides and positively associated with the TC/HDL cholesterol ratio and HDL cholesterol.

The association between omega-3 and triglycerides was observed in both women and men.

Only in women, the likelihood of high triglycerides was greatest among those with the lowest omega-3 levels.

The tendencies for high cholesterol and LDL risk were opposite in men and women. Long-term omega-3 status is associated with blood lipid profiles in older adults.

The findings support developing and implementing age-specific nutritional strategies to reduce CVD risk by improving omega-3 levels.