The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Endothelial Function and Inflammation

The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Endothelial Function and Inflammation

The hypothesis being tested is that in patients with stable claudication and documented PAD, omega-3 supplementation for 1 month will lead to improvement in endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated, brachial artery vasodilation (FMD), as well as improvement in the vascular inflammatory profile as measured by a panel of established circulating inflammatory biomarkers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• intermittent claudication
• resting or exercise Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) <0.9
• age 50 and more

Exclusion Criteria:

• critical limb ischemia
• hypersensitivity/allergies to fish or seafood
• already on omega-3 fatty acids or equivalent
• significant renal, hepatic, and inflammatory disease
• concurrent severe infections
• acute illness (MI, stroke, major surgery within 30 days)
• receiving immunosuppressive medications or steroids