Page 63 - Petelin, Ana, and Šarabon, Nejc. 2018. Eds. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Znanstvena monografija / Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press
P. 63
With the recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids, the risk of effects of enough omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular system in the elderly 63
death as a result of cardiovascular causes can be reduced by up to 16 % and my-
ocardial infarction by up to 24 % (Tur et al., 2012). However, the exact amount
of omega-3 fatty acids needed to achieve better cardioprotective effect is a sub-
ject of an ongoing debate among scientists. Studies agree that along with the
recommended daily consumption of 1.1 g per day for women and 1.6 g for men,
an additional 0.5-0.8 g should be consumed by individuals without chronic
heart disease and 1-1.3 g by those with chronic heart disease (Lavie et al., 2009;
Flock et al., 2013; Cao et al., 2014).
Sufficient amounts can be achieved by means of consuming function-
al foods, such as nuts and fish or through supplementation of fish oil or oth-
er products (Dawczynski et al., 2010; Delgado-Lista et al., 2012; Wang et al.,
2012). Lower food consumption in the elderly, mainly due to lower caloric in-
take and the subsequential need to restructure meal composition, presents the
main challenge in achieving the sufficient consumption of omega-3 (Mudge et
al., 2010).
Discussion
Correct meal planning is essential when it comes to achieving enough omega-3
consumption and cardiovascular protection among the elderly. Beside lower
food consumption, they can also lack in knowledge and economic means (Iiza-
ka et al., 2008; Vanderwee et al., 2010).
Since there is no single correct way to achieve the correct meal compo-
sition, modelling based on guidelines and diets seems sensible. One such di-
et is the Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by a high omega-3 fatty
acid intake, from fish (such as mackerel, sardines or salmon) and plant (such
as broccoli or spinach) sources. The diet also includes seasonal vegetables and
fruits, whole grains and wholegrain bread, olive oil and nuts. If adequate fish
consumption cannot be achieved because of the economic factors, substitution
with nuts, such as walnuts, cashews or Brazil nuts is justified (Eilat-Adar et al.,
2013; Estruch et al., 2013).
As an alternative or complementary to Mediterranean diet, DASH (Di-
etary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) guidelines could be used. Primary
goal of DASH is to lower the hypertension, but since it promotes consumption
of similar food types to Mediterranean diet (with emphasis on lower salt and
higher low-fat dairy product intake), its use in general cardiovascular disease
prevention is possible (Folsom et al., 2007).
Conclusion
With the available statistical data, it is clear that cardiovascular diseases rep-
resent a problem that will become even more important with growing share of
the elderly in our population. Recommended daily intake of omega-3 can re-
duce the risk of cardiovascular risk factors, but increased consumption can
death as a result of cardiovascular causes can be reduced by up to 16 % and my-
ocardial infarction by up to 24 % (Tur et al., 2012). However, the exact amount
of omega-3 fatty acids needed to achieve better cardioprotective effect is a sub-
ject of an ongoing debate among scientists. Studies agree that along with the
recommended daily consumption of 1.1 g per day for women and 1.6 g for men,
an additional 0.5-0.8 g should be consumed by individuals without chronic
heart disease and 1-1.3 g by those with chronic heart disease (Lavie et al., 2009;
Flock et al., 2013; Cao et al., 2014).
Sufficient amounts can be achieved by means of consuming function-
al foods, such as nuts and fish or through supplementation of fish oil or oth-
er products (Dawczynski et al., 2010; Delgado-Lista et al., 2012; Wang et al.,
2012). Lower food consumption in the elderly, mainly due to lower caloric in-
take and the subsequential need to restructure meal composition, presents the
main challenge in achieving the sufficient consumption of omega-3 (Mudge et
al., 2010).
Discussion
Correct meal planning is essential when it comes to achieving enough omega-3
consumption and cardiovascular protection among the elderly. Beside lower
food consumption, they can also lack in knowledge and economic means (Iiza-
ka et al., 2008; Vanderwee et al., 2010).
Since there is no single correct way to achieve the correct meal compo-
sition, modelling based on guidelines and diets seems sensible. One such di-
et is the Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by a high omega-3 fatty
acid intake, from fish (such as mackerel, sardines or salmon) and plant (such
as broccoli or spinach) sources. The diet also includes seasonal vegetables and
fruits, whole grains and wholegrain bread, olive oil and nuts. If adequate fish
consumption cannot be achieved because of the economic factors, substitution
with nuts, such as walnuts, cashews or Brazil nuts is justified (Eilat-Adar et al.,
2013; Estruch et al., 2013).
As an alternative or complementary to Mediterranean diet, DASH (Di-
etary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) guidelines could be used. Primary
goal of DASH is to lower the hypertension, but since it promotes consumption
of similar food types to Mediterranean diet (with emphasis on lower salt and
higher low-fat dairy product intake), its use in general cardiovascular disease
prevention is possible (Folsom et al., 2007).
Conclusion
With the available statistical data, it is clear that cardiovascular diseases rep-
resent a problem that will become even more important with growing share of
the elderly in our population. Recommended daily intake of omega-3 can re-
duce the risk of cardiovascular risk factors, but increased consumption can
