Omega-3 fatty acids work differently for men and women
There are fascinating and profound biological differences between men and women, so it's not surprising that a study just published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases proves that there is a gender difference in the blood 'anti-stickiness' benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. The authors begin by stating:
"Increased platelet aggregation is a major risk factor for heart attacks, stroke and thrombosis. Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA; eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA; docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) reduce platelet aggregation...Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated that inhibition of platelet aggregation by LCn-3PUFA is gender specific. We examined the acute effects of dietary supplementation with EPA or DHA rich oils on platelet aggregation in healthy male and females."
Platelet aggregation is the 'sticking together' or clotting of the sub-cellular blood platelets. Blood that is too 'sticky' or clots too easily is a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes and a hindrance to the blood perfusion of tissues. The authors dosed males and females with EPA or DHA rich oil and measured the post-supplementation platelet aggregation. What did the data show?
"EPA was significantly the most effective in reducing platelet aggregation in males...whereas DHA was not effective relative to placebo. In contrast, in females, DHA significantly reduced platelet aggregation at 24 h (while EPA was not effective. An inverse relationship between testosterone levels and platelet aggregation following EPA supplementation was observed."
This paper follows another recent study reporting that cholesterol levels vary with the menstrual cycle. Practitioners must bear in mind these and other gender differences. The authors conclude:
"Interactions between sex hormones and omega-3 fatty acids exist to differentially reduce platelet aggregation. For healthy individuals, males may benefit more from EPA supplementation while females are more responsive to DHA."