The long-term effect of dietary supplementation with fish lipid concentrate on serum lipids, bleeding time, platelets and angina.

The effect of a fish lipid concentrate rich in eicosapentaenoic acid was studied in 107 subjects for periods up to 2 years. Ninety-two had heart disease or hyper-lipidaemia and 15 had no history of heart disease. Serum triglyceride levels were rapidly reduced, cholesterol fell more slowly but high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was increased. Bleeding time increased significantly and the consumption of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) tablets decreased together with a reduction in anginal attacks. The data are consistent with a reduction in hepatic triglyceride synthesis rather than an increased rate of triglyceride clearance. Total and HDL cholesterol changes are suggestive of an enhanced removal of cholesterol from the tissues. Increased bleeding time and changes in GTN consumption are consistent with decreased platelet aggregation.