sDietary and pharmacological fatty acids and cardiovascular health.

CONTEXT: The effects of dietary intake of different fatty acids and pharmacological use of fatty acids, specifically long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs), on cardiovascular health and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) prevention have been examined in a large number of observational studies and clinical trials. This review summarizes recent data and discusses potential mechanisms.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The review is based on the authors' knowledge of the field supplemented by a PubMed search using the terms "seafood," "fish oil," "saturated fatty acids," "omega-3 fatty acids," "eicosapentaenoic acid," "docosahexaenoic acid," "polyunsaturated fatty acids," "monounsaturated fatty acids," and "ASCVD."

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We mainly discuss the recent clinical trials that examine the effects of different types of dietary fatty acids and pharmacological use of n-3 PUFA products on ASCVD prevention and the potential mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS: While replacement of dietary saturated fat with unsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat in particular, or intake of LC n-3 PUFA-rich seafood has generally shown benefit for ASCVD prevention and is recommended for cardiovascular benefits, data on effects of n-3 PUFA products on ASCVD health are inconsistent. However, recent clinical trials support benefits of prescription EPA in ASCVD prevention. n-3 PUFAs may contribute to ASCVD prevention through multiple mechanisms, including lowering plasma triglyceride levels, anti-inflammatory effects, and other effects.