New research suggests gender specific Omega 3 roles

Researchers in Australia have found that Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA may have gender specific effects on blood platelet aggregation.

The study, published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases,suggests that differences in how males and females process eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could affect platelet aggregation.

Previous research has shown omega-3 to have a protective role over thrombotic events; although it remains unclear which forms of omega-3 are the most advantageous.

The majority of studies on omega-3 supplements use fish oil containing both EPA and DHA, in recent research however has indicated that the two may have different gender specific roles.

The study saw that both EPA and DHA fatty acids reduced platelet aggregation, but when the data was separated into gender groups the responses were divided according to the suggestions of previous research.

EPA was seen to be highly effective in males when compared to DHA and placebo, whereas in females it was DHA that was found to be significantly more effective than EPA and placebo.

“We have shown that gender-specific responses exist in platelet aggregation in the 24 h following dietary supplementation with a single oral dose of EPA or DHA rich oil capsules. - These data confirm our previous observations..,” stated the researchers.

“Interactions between sex hormones and omega-3 fatty acids exist to differentially reduce platelet aggregation. For healthy individuals, males may benefit more from EPA supplementation while females are more responsive to DHA,” wrote the researchers