Cardiologist Rokas Šerpytis: the foods heart disease patients should never skip
Much has been said about the benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for children and adults alike, and fish oil is often recommended for children from a very young age. But Dr. Rokas Šerpytis, a cardiologist at the Cardiology Centre of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, says omega-3s should come from food first — supplements are only there to top up what's missing, according to a press release.
Foods that protect the heart and blood vessels
"It's well established that in places where people eat a lot of sea fish, cardiovascular disease is rare. This was first noticed in Greenland, where people eat large amounts of fatty marine fish that turned out to be rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Studies have also shown that eating this kind of fish at least once a week lowers the risk of coronary heart disease by 16 percent, and eating it two to four times a week significantly reduces the risk of stroke as well. However, when researchers have looked specifically at omega-3 supplements and overall mortality, no such effect has been found so far," says cardiologist Dr. Rokas Šerpytis.
He explains this by pointing out that an isolated beneficial compound, taken without the other nutrients that naturally accompany it in food, is often absorbed poorly or not at all.
That's why, he says, everyone — children included — should eat plenty of foods naturally rich in omega-3s: fatty sea fish, seeds, and nuts, with supplements used alongside to cover any remaining shortfall. According to the doctor, beneficial fatty fish include salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel, cod, herring, and similar species.
"Given that we live in Lithuania, where we don't always have easy access to organically farmed, high-quality salmon, bio-tuna, or good oysters, omega-3 supplements can be a sensible way to top up your reserves. That said, as I mentioned, they can't replace real food," says Dr. Šerpytis.
Children need omega-3 every day
The cardiologist points out that children need omega-3-rich food every day, since these fatty acids are essential for memory, cognitive development, eyesight, metabolism, brain and heart health, and keeping inflammation in check. "The most important thing is a balanced diet — it really matters that children eat fish, and fish oil or other omega-3 supplements for children can be added on top of that. Fish oil alone won't cover the full need," says the doctor. He adds that children need omega-3 supplements formulated specifically for them.
A role in longevity
According to Dr. Šerpytis, omega-3-rich food is especially important for adults because it helps guard against chronic inflammation — meaning people with adequate levels of these fatty acids in their bodies may end up living longer.
"Omega-3 reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of inflammatory, chronic conditions such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. One observational study that followed people for 11 years, measuring omega-3 levels in red blood cells, found that those with the highest blood omega-3 concentrations lived up to five years longer than those with the lowest," says the cardiologist.
The doctor notes that current international guidelines — both European and American — recommend omega-3 supplements for people with high blood triglyceride levels.
"Triglycerides are substances that store fat in the body. When we talk about coronary heart disease and cholesterol, we're usually looking at so-called 'bad' cholesterol — when that rises, a person's risk of serious cardiovascular disease goes up.
A sharp rise in blood triglycerides carries similar weight as a risk factor. The guidelines state that when triglycerides are elevated — particularly for secondary prevention in people who've already had a heart attack or have significant coronary heart disease — cholesterol-lowering medication is recommended first. If that doesn't bring triglycerides down to a healthy level, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are added on top," says the cardiologist.
He adds that in these cases, patients are given a high dose of omega-3 — around 4 grams a day, compared with the roughly 1 gram typically found in a standard supplement.
The doctor also notes that liquid-form supplements tend to be absorbed better than other forms.
