Alpha-linolenic acid and coronary heart disease

• Published in: Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 162 - 169
• Main Authors: de Lorgeril, M., Salen, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-06-2004; Elsevier
• Subjects: alpha-Linolenic Acid; alpha-Linolenic Acid - metabolism; alpha-Linolenic Acid - therapeutic use; Biological Markers; Biomarkers - blood; canola oil; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Artery Disease - metabolism; Coronary Artery Disease - prevention & control; Diet; Dietary Supplements; essential fatty acid; Female; Food and Nutrition; Humans; Life Sciences; Male; myocardial infarction; Prognosis; purslane; Sensitivity and Specificity; walnut; walnut; canola oil; Diet; purslane; essential fatty acid; myocardial infarction
• ISSN: 0939-4753; 1590-3729
• DOI: 10.1016/S0939-4753(04)80037-1

Abstract
To summarize our present knowledge about vegetable omega-3 fatty acids.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is one of the two essential fatty acids in humans. Epidemiological studies and dietary trials strongly suggest that this fatty acid is important in relation with the pathogenesis (and prevention) of coronary heart disease. Like other n-3 fatty acids from marine origin, it may prevent cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The optimal dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid seems to be about 2 g
per day or 0.6 to 1% of total energy intake. Obtaining an optimal ratio of the two essential fatty acids, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids —
ie a ratio of less than 4 to 1 in the diet — is a major issue. The main sources of alpha-linolenic acid for the European population should be canola oil (and canola-oil based margarine if available), nuts (English walnut), ground linseeds and green leafy vegetables such as purslane.
Epidemiological studies and dietary trials in humans suggest that alpha-linolenic acid is a major cardioprotective nutrient.