The impact of Omega-3 on healthy ageing: how increased intake can improve heart health factors

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of mortality globally. In the Asia Pacific region, rapidly aging populations drives the need for proven solutions that support consumers in living a longer, more active and fulfilling life.

Nutrition is an important lever in keeping the cardiovascular system functioning optimally. Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease events and may be differentially affected by dietary fatty acid (FA) intake. A higher intake and higher concentrations of circulating omega-3 fatty acids have a positive influence on lowering arterial stiffness, resulting in a better CVD risk profile.

A recognised measure of the concentration of circulating omega-3 fatty acids is the omega-3 index, which is now easily measured via Dried Blood Spot (DBS) technology. The omega-3 index is defined as the total concentration of EPA and DHA in red blood cells, expressed as a percentage of total fatty acid content. A higher omega-3 index has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events.

BASF shares the scientific evidence behind the efficacy of PronovPure® high concentrate omega-3 products and Accelon^TM​ omega-3 absorption technology on increasing the omega-3 index for desired cardiovascular health outcomes.