Omega-3 may reduce damage from smoking, suggests research

Related tags Omega-3 fatty acids Nutrition Blood vessel

Omega-3 fatty acids could help to reduce the physical harm caused by smoking, according to a new study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology.

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

Led by Dr. Gerasimos Siasos, University of Athens Medical School, the research team found that short-term supplementation with the omega-3 improved arterial stiffness and moderated acute smoking-induced damage of the elastic properties of blood vessels 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," said Siasos.

However, Dr Kathryn Taubert, chief science officer at the World Heart Federation said that the only way to protect against the harmful effects of tobacco is to stop smoking.

“We encourage all people, both smokers and non-smokers, to eat healthy diets, which includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids,” she added.