The acute and short-time effect of supplementation with the combination of n−3 fatty acids and acetylsalicylic acid on platelet function and plasma lipids

Abstract

Antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is commonly used to reduce the risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular events. Fish consumption has been inversely related to coronary disease, which has been partly attributed to an inhibitory effect of n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ( n−3 PUFA) on platelet production of tromboxane A 2. In this study, we investigated the acute and short-time effect of supplementation with n−3 PUFA and intravenous ASA on platelet function, platelet fatty acid composition and plasma lipids. Eighteen healthy men were randomly allocated to a daily intake of 10 g n−3 PUFA or placebo. After this supplement (14 h and 14 days), blood was sampled before and after intravenous injection of 100 mg ASA. n−3 PUFA given for 14 days caused a minor inhibition of platelet reactivity but negligible compared to 100 mg ASA. No additive effect of n−3 PUFA and ASA could be demonstrated.