Lack of omega-3 shortens life expectancy as much as smoking, say experts

Do you pack enough oily fish into your diet? If not, your levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids could be low - something that new research has linked to a shortened life expectancy.

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the research paper is based on statistics from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), one of the world's longest-running studies which looks into the causes of prevention against cardiovascular disease. 

Diet is one key biomarker used in the study, and fatty acids - particularly types known as EPA (eicosapetaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) - have long been associated with a heart-healthy diet. Such fatty acids are typically found in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, along with the best fish oil supplements.

However, researchers have now indicted that a lack of these fatty acids in one's diet could have decrease life expectancy as much as smoking. 

Lead researcher Dr. Michael McBurney of the University of Guelph in Canada commented: "Being a current smoker (at age 65) is predicted to subtract more than four years of life (compared with not smoking), a life shortening equivalent to having a low vs. a high omega-3 Index."

Dr. McBurnley also said of the findings: "It is interesting to note that in Japan, where the mean Omega-3 Index is greater than eight per cent, the expected life span is around five years longer than it is in the United States, where the mean Omega-3 Index is about five per cent. 

"Hence, in practice, dietary choices that change the Omega-3 Index may prolong life," he added.

The percentage of omega-3 levels in your blood can be found out by a blood test, while a good level is said to be anything around eight per cent, and a low amount is around four per cent.

A diet rich in omega-3 foods is generally accepted as the best source of these essential fatty acids. 

The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans cites fish such as salmon, anchovies and sardines as a key component of a healthy eating pattern, not only for its omega-3 content but also as a good food source of vitamin D and vitamin B12, protein and iron. 

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people eat 1-2 portions of oily fish a week. Consider using one of the best grills to prepare your fish in a healthy manner.

However, for those who don't or can't eat fish, supplementation is also an option.