Fish consumption slows the progression of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with diabetes

Regular consumption of fish is associated with diabetes in postmenopausal women, a significant slowing of the progression of atherosclerosis (thickening of the arterial wall due to lipid deposition that disrupts blood flow), show the results of a study published in the journal "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."
The fact that regular consumption of fish and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is causing a reduction in cardiovascular risk is well known, but quantitative data on the protective effect remain few, remind Arja Erkkilä, University of Kuopio (Finland) and his American colleagues.

To compensate for this, the researchers have followed over a period of nearly three years, the evolution of the coronary arteries of 229 postmenopausal women participating in a trial called "Estrogen Replacement and Athrosclerosis trial" on the basis of consumption Fish.

For this, their eating habits were determined at the beginning of the study through a questionnaire. Then compare the two coronary angiographies performed within the study to compare the mean diameter of the coronary arteries determined during both tests to assess the progression of lipid deposition in the arterial walls.

The analysis of data collected as part of this study the authors found that diabetic women consuming fish at least twice a week had a higher mean arterial diameter, a smaller reduction of the diameter over time and less frequent new lesions than those who were less fond of this dish appearance.

Similar results were also observed for diabetic participants whose fat intake, more rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish (such as salmon, trout, mackerel or herring), exceed one serving per week.

This relationship between a higher consumption of fish and a reduction in the progression of atherosclerosis, independent of the influence of other parameters such as age, other risk factors for cardiovascular and fiber intake diseases, fatty acids or alcohol did not, however, was significant in nondiabetic participants, the authors say.