Omega-3 fatty acids to protect the heart

Cardioprotection and lipid redistribution with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

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Funding year: 2011
 

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Amount funded: $36,400
 

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Lead researcher:
Professor Lindsay Brown

Research team:
Dr Darryl Burstow
 

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Location of research:
The Prince Charles Hospital
and University of Southern Queensland
 

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Project description:
Daily dietary treatment with 5% chia seeds, rich in omega 3 fatty acid, markedly improved cardiovascular structure and function in obese hypertensive rats. Most importantly, chia seeds induced the breakdown of abdominal fat and its redistribution elsewhere in the body for later use. However, it is not yet known if omega 3 fatty acids from marine sources or other alternate botanical sources such as flax seed have the same effects as chia seed. In this project, we will determine whether different naturally-occurring omega 3 fatty acids improve cardiovascular structure and function as well as inducing fat redistribution away from abdominal fat pads to increase fat mobilisation.