Abstract
Moderate intakes of n-3 fish oil polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering the prothrombotic tendency of platelets and endothelial cells by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism. Concern that moderate fish oil intakes might reduce platelet aggregation to the extent of enhancing bleeding tendency and increasing the risk of haemorrhagic stroke appears to be unfounded however. Even though some studies have measured significantly decreased platelet aggregation and prolonged bleeding times the values have remained within normal limits. Moreover, epidemiological data from Japan, where haemorrhagic stroke incidence is comparatively high, show that in those areas with higher fish consumption, the risk of brain haemorrhage is lower, a finding that has been confirmed in other countries. In clinical intervention studies with n-3 fish oil PUFAs there was no evidence of abnormal bleeding tendency even though the concentrations used were up to nine times the recommended dietary values. Thus, daily intakes of approximately 1.2 g mg n-3 fish oil PUFAs can be safely recommended.