What is the effect of long term use of fish oil for lipid reduction in the elderly?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-02-01

With the improvement of people's living standards and the change of dietary structure, the number of people with "three highs" such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia is increasing year by year, and gradually showing a trend of younger people. This is especially true for the elderly, whose physical functions are declining and the health risks are compounded.

However, scientific studies have shown that fish oil has a hypolipidemic effect, which is undoubtedly a boon for the elderly. So, what is the effect of long-term use of fish oil for lipid reduction in the elderly?

First, let's take a look at the main components of fish oil. Fish oil is an oil extracted from deep-sea fish, which is mainly composed of -3 unsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Among them, EPA can reduce triglycerides in the blood, DHA can reduce cholesterol, and can also improve heart function and prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral thrombosis.

A large number of clinical trials and epidemiological studies have shown that long-term consumption of fish oil in the elderly can effectively reduce blood lipid levels. Researchers have found that older adults who take fish oil for a long time generally have a general decline in blood lipid levels, especially triglyceride levels, which can be reduced by an average of 25%-30%. In addition, fish oil can also reduce total cholesterol levels and reduce the development of atherosclerosis.

Secondly, the hypolipidemic effect of fish oil is also related to the dosage and consumption time. In general, 200 mg of DHA fish oil per day is sufficient for the elderly. However, the specific dosage and consumption time should also be determined according to the physical condition of the elderly and the doctor's advice.

In addition to this, the effectiveness of fish oil in the elderly is also affected by the quality of the fish oil. The quality and content of fish oil vary greatly, and only high-purity fish oil can play a role in lowering blood lipids. Therefore, when choosing fish oil, be sure to choose a brand of reliable quality to ensure the content and stability of its active ingredients.

Of course, there are some issues that the elderly need to pay attention to when taking fish oil for a long time. First of all, fish oil is not a substitute for statins, and the elderly also need to take statins reasonably under the guidance of a doctor if they need to lower blood lipids.

Secondly, the elderly need to pay attention to allergic reactions when taking fish oil, such as itching, shortness of breath and other symptoms, and should immediately stop taking the drug and seek medical attention. Finally, the elderly need to pay attention to food combinations when taking fish oil, and avoid taking it with vitamin E-rich foods at the same time, so as not to affect the absorption of fish oil.

To sum up, long-term use of fish oil for the elderly to reduce lipids has a significant effect. Scientific studies have proven that fish oil can reduce blood lipid levels, especially triglyceride levels, while also improving heart function and preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

However, older people need to pay attention to the dosage and consumption time when taking fish oil, and at the same time choose a brand of reliable quality to avoid allergic reactions and improper food matching. In daily life, the elderly also need to pay attention to their diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, exercise moderately, and maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to better maintain their health.

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