Omega-3 Fish Oil Research Articles

Effect of Omega-3 Fish Oil on Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are major public health concerns worldwide and are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. People with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Diet has a substantial affect on the progression of many diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids [LC-PUFA]) have long been attributed to the maintenance of health and may be of benefit in reducing cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this review is to investigate the possible roles of omega-3 in reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes. A literature search was conducted from the Medline, EBSCO, and EMBASE databases. Articles that addressed diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or omega-3 were included. Reviews and studies reported an association with fish and omega-3 LC-PUFA consumption and decreased total cardiovascular mortality (approximately 15%-19%), along with decreased platelet activation and aggregation, improved lipid profiles, including reduction of triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), decreased inflammation, and lowered blood pressure. Diets higher in fish and omega-3 LC-PUFA may reduce cardiovascular risk in diabetes by inhibiting platelet aggregation, improving lipid profiles, and reducing cardiovascular mortality. Fish and omega-3 LC-PUFA can be recommended to people with diabetes and included into a diabetes management program.

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AbstractCollaborative Problem Solving: A New Approach to Working With Difficult ChildrenThe Role of the Forensic Psychologist in Child Mental HealthOmega‐3 Fish Oils and Psychotic RiskThe Difference Between ADHD and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderImpact of Cyberbullying on Nonheterosexual YouthEarly Exposure to Antidepressants, Stimulants Does Not Accelerate Bipolar DisorderSchool‐Based Intervention for Emotional Self‐RegulationControversies Regarding the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Bipolar DisorderDSM‐5 and Autism

Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty-Acid Supplementation on Redox Status in Chronic Renal Failure Patients With Dyslipidemia

We sought to evaluate the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty-acid (PUFA) supplementation on dyslipidemia, lipid and protein peroxidation, and antioxidant defense in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Eighty patients with CRF were diagnosed in the hospital of Oran between January 2008 and April 2008. Forty patients (male/female, 22/18; aged 61 +/- 14 years, S.D.) were available for the study. They presented with dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia (triacylglycerols, >1.7 mmol/L) and/or hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol, >5 mmol/L). All patients received nutritional counsel adapted to CRF, i.e., energy intake of .12 megajoule x kg(-1) x body weight x day(-1), protein intake of .8 g x kg(-1) x body weight x day(-1), and lipid intake of 35% of total energy intake with 28% PUFAs, 37% monounsaturated fatty acids, and 35% saturated fatty acids. Patients were randomized into two groups: 20 received supplementation with omega-3 fish oil (2.1 g . day(-1)) for 90 days, and 20 were used as controls. To control the counsel monitoring, a nutritional survey was performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Blood samples were drawn at the beginning (T0), at 30 days (T1), at 60 days (T2), and at 90 days (T3) after initiating treatment. In the omega-3 group, a reduction in triacylglycerol levels was evident at T1 (-43%), T2, and T3 (-48%). Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were at lower levels at T1 and T3. There was no significant difference in carbonyl values, whereas serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were increased at T1, T2, and T3. High catalase activity was evident at T2 and T3. Omega-3 supplementation improves hypertriglyceridemia and oxidative stress in patients with CRF, and may lead to decreased rates of cardiovascular complications.

A multicenter study of the effect of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis

To determine the effects of feeding a diet supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis. Randomized, controlled, multisite clinical trial. 131 client-owned dogs with stable chronic osteoarthritis examined at 33 privately owned veterinary hospitals in the United States. In all dogs, the dosage of carprofen was standardized over a 3-week period to approximately 4.4 mg/kg/d (2 mg/lb/d), PO. Dogs were then randomly assigned to receive a food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids or a control food with low omega-3 fatty acid content, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks later, investigators made decisions regarding increasing or decreasing the carprofen dosage on the basis of investigator assessments of 5 clinical signs and owner assessments of 15 signs. Linear regression analysis indicated that over the 12-week study period, carprofen dosage decreased significantly faster among dogs fed the supplemented diet than among dogs fed the control diet. The distribution of changes in carprofen dosage for dogs in the control group was significantly different from the distribution of changes in carprofen dosage for dogs in the test group. Results suggested that in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis receiving carprofen because of signs of pain, feeding a diet supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids may allow for a reduction in carprofen dosage.

Complementary and Alternative Medicines

Older adults are the largest per capita consumers of prescription medications and over-the-counter complementary and alternative medicines in the United States. A recent study identified that older adults are using more drugs than 5 years ago, including drugs newly released on the market as well as dietary supplements, known as complementary and alternative medicines. One study found that about 13% of adults aged 65 years or older used an herbal product within the previous 12 months. Increased use has resulted from increasing evidence supporting the health benefits of dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fish oils, in reducing cardiovascular events. Nahin and colleagues studied the relationship between prescription medications and dietary supplements by analyzing medication use in patients aged 75 years or older enrolled in the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study. Dietary supplements were defined according to the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act and included vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, and amino acids. In the study, investigators found that 82.5% of patients used at least 1 dietary supplement, and 54.5% used 3 or more. The average number of prescription medications used per patient was 3.5 which was similar to the average number of dietary supplements. The majority (83%) of prescription medication users also used supplements. The most commonly used dietary supplements were a multivitamin; iron; vitamins E, C, D, B, and A; calcium; glucosamine and chondroitin; zinc; magnesium; garlic; ginkgo biloba; saw palmetto; and echinacea. Complementary and alternative medicines are considered dietary supplements. In 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which defined a dietary supplement. Dietary supplements cannot be labeled with health claims but can be labeled with statements of

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AbstractStrategies for Treatment‐Resistant OCD in Pediatric PatientsStudy: Use of Antipsychotics Climbs in Privately Insured PreschoolersCommentary: Treatment‐Resistant Pediatric OCDLisdexamfetamine‐Associated Reductions in GrowthOmega‐3 Fish Oils May Reduce Psychotic Risk in Teens and AdultsMethylphenidate Effects on Sleep in ChildrenIloperidone (Fanapt) Now Available in U.S.Tourette's Syndrome in a Boy With Bipolar DisorderOlanzapine (Zyprexa) Warnings for Adolescent UseDrug Safety Labeling Changes

Inhibition of Oxidation of Aqueous Emulsions of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oil by Phloretin and Phloridzin

The antioxidant properties of two apple dihydrochalcones, namely phloretin and phloridzin, were evaluated and compared with those of α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The effects were studied in an oil-in-water emulsion system containing methyl linolenate (ML), methyl eicosapentaenoate (MEPA), and methyl docosahexaenoate (MDHA) in which oxidation was initiated by the peroxyl radical generator 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and in fish oil where oxidation was initiated thermally. In the emulsion system, phloretin (1 and 5 mM) completely inhibited the oxidation of ML tested as evidenced by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Under the same conditions, phloridzin was less effective than phloretin, but still more effective than α-tocopherol. Both phloretin and phloridzin molecules had a marginal inhibitory effect against oxidation of fish oil induced by heating at 70 °C for 3 hours, when compared to BHT. These results indicate that phloretin and phloridzin have the potential to suppress lipid oxidation in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) containing foods.

Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis

To evaluate the effects of a food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. Randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. 38 client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis examined at 2 university veterinary clinics. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive a typical commercial food (n = 16) or a test food (22) containing 3.5% fish oil omega-3 fatty acids. On day 0 (before the trial began) and days 45 and 90 after the trial began, investigators conducted orthopedic evaluations and force-plate analyses of the most severely affected limb of each dog, and owners completed questionnaires to characterize their dogs' arthritis signs. The change in mean peak vertical force between days 90 and 0 was significant for the test-food group (5.6%) but not for the control-food group (0.4%). Improvement in peak vertical force values was evident in 82% of the dogs in the test-food group, compared with 38% of the dogs in the control-food group. In addition, according to investigators' subjective evaluations, dogs fed the test food had significant improvements in lameness and weight bearing on day 90, compared with measurements obtained on day 0. At least in the short term, dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids resulted in an improvement in weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs

To assess the effect of food containing high concentrations of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids and a low omega-6-omega-3 fatty acid ratio on clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs. Randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. 127 client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis in 1 or more joints from 18 privately owned veterinary clinics. Dogs were randomly assigned to be fed for 6 months with a typical commercial food or a test food containing a 31-fold increase in total omega-3 fatty acid content and a 34-fold decrease in omega-6-omega-3 ratio, compared with the control food. Dog owners completed a questionnaire about their dog's arthritic condition, and investigators performed a physical examination and collected samples for a CBC and serum biochemical analyses (including measurement of fatty acids concentration) at the onset of the study and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks afterward. Dogs fed the test food had a significantly higher serum concentration of total omega-3 fatty acids and a significantly lower serum concentration of arachidonic acid at 6, 12, and 24 weeks. According to owners, dogs fed the test food had a significantly improved ability to rise from a resting position and play at 6 weeks and improved ability to walk at 12 and 24 weeks, compared with control dogs. Ingestion of the test food raised blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and appeared to improve the arthritic condition in pet dogs with osteoarthritis.

Surveying The Nutritional Habits And Behaviors Of NCAA-Division III Athletes

The purpose of the current study was to assess nutritional habits and behaviors of NCAA-Division III athletes. Varsity athletes (N = 241; Males: n = 119; Females: n = 122; age: M = 19.59 + 1.21yr) completed a questionnaire designed to gather information about nutritional habits and behaviors. Subjects ranged from the 2nd to 10th semester of their undergraduate education. Team sport vs. individual athlete representation was: Males - 73% team sport athletes, 27% individual sport athletes, Females - 66% team sport athletes, 34% individual sport athletes. Team sports represented were: basketball, field hockey (female), football (male), lacrosse, soccer, softball (female), and volleyball. Individual sport athletes came from tennis and track and field. Questionnaires were administered to athletes before or after a team lift or practice session. Differences were assessed between: 1.) males and females, 2.) freshmen and seniors, and 3.) team and individual sports. Independent sample Mann-Whitney U and Chi Squared tests were run. On average, athletes reported eating between 3-6 times per day. Approximately 49% drank 7-8 daily servings of water. Less than one third (28%) of athletes ate a daily breakfast. The following findings were significant (p < 0.05): Males ate more daily servings of proteins (3-4) than females (1-2), while females consumed more vegetable servings (3-4) than males (1-2). More team sport athletes were trying to maintain or gain weight than individual sport athletes. More females (37%) reported trying to lose weight than males (14%). Male athletes consumed more servings of sports drinks than females. Seniors drank more coffee than 1st year student-athletes. Team sport athletes consumed more servings of alcohol more frequently than individual sport athletes. Males consumed more protein supplements, while females consumed more vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamins and minerals (86%), protein (39%), omega-3 fish oils (10%), and creatine (8%) were the most popular supplements. Proper diet has been found to help athletes improve physical activity and aid in recovery from exercise (1). When comparing results to the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, it was found that collegiate football players need to consume more servings of fruits and vegetables (2), which is similar to the present study where, on average, insufficient servings of fruits and vegetables were consumed. The present study also presented the need for carbohydrate consumption, with only 3-4 servings being taken in throughout the day. Mullin (4) suggested eight 8-ounce daily servings of water would be an accurate estimate for the average person to stay hydrated, with training athletes requiring more. Water loss and dehydration during exercise was a problem for collegiate football players (2,3) and for Division III athletes, as an average of 5-6 eight ounce servings of water were consumed daily. In the current study, 37% of athletes reported taking a dietary supplement. Similarly, Swirzinski (5) found 31% of football players were consuming supplements. Limited knowledge about supplements and ergogenic aids can lead to improper use. Nutritional education is recommended for: 1.) daily food choices, 2.) weekend caloric intake, 3.) hydration techniques, and 4.) supplement usage. Improved knowledge of coaches and availability of certified nutritionists would benefit the nutritional habits of athletes.

Antioxidant treatment protects diabetic rats from cardiac dysfunction by preserving contractile protein targets of oxidative stress

Backgound Animal studies suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Hypothesis Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is activated by ROS and contributes to the acute loss of myocardial contractile function by targeting and cleaving susceptible proteins including troponin I (TnI) and α-actinin. Methods Using the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model, we evaluated the effect of daily in vivo administration of sodium selenate (0.3 mg/kg; DMS group), or a pure omega-3 fish oil with antioxidant vitamin E (omega-3E; 50 mg/kg; DMFA group), which has antioxidant-like effects, for 4 weeks on heart function and on several biochemical parameters related to oxidant stress and MMP-2. Results Although both treatments prevented the diabetes-induced depression in left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) as well as the rates of changes in developed pressure (±dP/dt) ( P<.001), the improvement in LVDP of the DMS group was greater compared to that of the DMFA group ( P<.001). Moreover, these treatments reduced the diabetes-induced increase in myocardial oxidized protein sulfhydryl and nitrite concentrations ( P<.001). Gelatin zymography and Western blot data indicated that the diabetes-induced changes in myocardial levels of MMP-2 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-4 (TIMP-4) and the reduction in TnI and α-actinin protein levels were improved in both the DMS and DMFA groups ( P<.001). Conclusions These results suggest that diabetes-induced alterations in MMP-2 and TIMP-4 contribute to myocardial contractile dysfunction by targeting TnI and α-actinin and that sodium selenate or omega-3E could have therapeutic benefits in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Mass Is Significantly Reduced in Dyslipidemic Patients Treated With Lifestyle Modification and Combination Lipid-Modifying Drug Therapy

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA(2)) mass is a novel inflammatory biomarker. In human blood, Lp-PLA(2) is predominately associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This study examines the ability of lifestyle modification (diet and exercise) and combination lipid therapy to reduce Lp-PLA(2) levels while also determining the relationship between changes in LDL cholesterol and Lp-PLA(2). Thirty dyslipidemic patients who received lifestyle intervention and combination lipid therapy for an average of 6 months were included in these analyses (mean age, 60.9 years); 40% had stable angiographically established coronary artery disease, 40% had the metabolic syndrome, and 70% were men. Drug therapy included omega-3 fish oil, extended-release niacin, colesevelam hydrochloride, and a fixed combination of 10-mg ezetimibe and 40-mg simvastatin. The study revealed a 33% reduction in mean Lp-PLA(2) values (baseline 224.9+/-47.5 vs posttreatment 149.5+/-35.5 ng/mL; P<.001). Significant changes in mean LDL cholesterol from baseline (127.9+/-49.3 vs posttreatment 65.2+/-32.1 mg/dL; P<.001) were also observed. However, regression analysis revealed only a weak positive relationship between changes in LDL cholesterol and Lp-PLA(2) mass (R(2)=0.29; P<.01). Thus, Lp-PLA(2) mass is significantly reduced with lifestyle and combination lipid therapy. Changes in Lp-PLA(2) were only partially explained by the changes observed for LDL cholesterol.

Effects of Moderate-Dose Omega-3 Fish Oil on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Mood After Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— Fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids have long been associated with cardiovascular protection. In this trial, we assessed whether treatment with a guideline-recommended moderate-dose fish oil supplement could improve cardiovascular biomarkers, mood- and health-related quality of life in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods— Patients with CT-confirmed stroke were randomized to 3 g/day encapsulated fish oil containing approximately 1.2 g total omega-3 (0.7 g docosahexaenoic acid; 0.3 g eicosapentaenoic acid) or placebo oil (combination palm and soy) taken daily over 12 weeks. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and associated lipoproteins, selected inflammatory and hemostatic markers, mood, and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline and follow-up. The primary outcome was change in triglycerides. Compliance was assessed by capsule count and serum phospholipid omega-3 levels (Australian Clinical Trials Registration: ACTRN12605000207617). Results— One hundred two patients were randomized to fish oil or placebo. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol (&gt;85% compliance) analyses showed no significant effect of fish oil treatment on any lipid, inflammatory, hemostatic, or composite mood parameters measured. Adherence to treatment based on pill count was good (89%) reflected by increased serum docosahexanoic acid ( P &lt;0.001) and eicosapentaenoic acid ( P =0.0006) in the fish oil group. Analysis of oil composition, however, showed some degradation and potentially adverse oxidation products at the end of the study. Conclusions— There was no effect of 12 weeks of treatment with moderate-dose fish oil supplements on cardiovascular biomarkers or mood in patients with ischemic stroke. It is possible that insufficient dose, short duration of treatment, and/or oxidation of the fish oils may have influenced these outcomes.

Effects of early parenteral supplementation with omega-3 fish oil emulsion on clinical outcome in severe acute pancreatitis

Effects of early parenteral supplementation with omega-3 fish oil emulsion on clinical outcome in severe acute pancreatitis

Chromium(III)–docosahexaenoic acid complex: Synthesis and characterization

Supplements containing chromium in its trivalent oxidation state [Cr(III)] are used by diabetic patients to improve their glucose and insulin levels and omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for people with insulin resistance or diabetes. It seemed very useful to combine chromium(III) and omega-3 functional entities into single molecules. Here we synthesized and characterized a chromium cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) complex, one of the two main components of the heterogeneous chromium(III) fish oil omega-3 concentrate products. Ethyl cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoate was hydrolyzed with sodium hydroxide, and the generated salt was reacted in situ with chromium(III) chloride hexahydrate and converted into an oxo-centred trinuclear chromium(III) complex. A study of the DHA–chromium(III) complex by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry/(LC/MS/MS) is reported in this work. The data suggest a triaqua-μ3-oxohexakis-μ-docosahexaenoatotrichromium(1+), [Cr 3O(C 22H 31O 2) 6(H 2O) 3] +, core structure.

New Data on the Clinical Impact of Exercise Training, Fish Oils, and Statins in Heart Failure

Despite major advances in the field of cardiovascular (CV) diseases, heart failure (HF) continues to result in considerable CV morbidity and mortality and accounts for an increasing number of acute hospitalizations in adult patients. Recent major trials have focused on exercise training programs and the widely available nutraceutical omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or fish oil and statins in patients with HF. In this article, we provide insight into the interpretation of the evidence base for these distinct interventions in HF and provide guidance for the clinical incorporation of exercise training and fish oil therapy for additional CV protection in chronic HF.

Inhibition of oxidation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish oil by quercetin glycosides

The antioxidant properties of naturally occurring flavonols, quercetin glycosides, were examined and compared with common food antioxidants butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and α-tocopherol. Antioxidants were incorporated into selected polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or fish oil in aqueous emulsions and bulk oil systems. The effectiveness of quercetin was similar to or greater than quercetin glycosides in inhibiting lipid oxidation in the oil-in-water emulsion systems when oxidation was induced by heat, light, peroxyl radical or ferrous ion. In bulk fish oil, C-3 glycosylation enhanced the antioxidant activity of quercetin. The effectiveness of quercetin and its glycosides was greater than that of α-tocopherol in the emulsions. Quercetin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside exhibited a better antioxidant activity than BHT in bulk fish oil; however, the reverse was observed in the emulsions of omega-3 PUFA and fish oil systems in agreement with the polar paradox theory. Quercetin and its glycosides were more effective than α-tocopherol in emulsion systems.

Production and bioavailability of calcium and magnesium salts of omega-3 fatty acids

In order to provide an alternative to traditional liquid fish oil gelatin capsules, we developed a solid, powdered form of omega-3 fish oil concentrate by forming calcium- and magnesium-fatty acid salts. These salts were produced using a concentrated fish oil ethyl ester that contained in excess of 60% omega-3 fatty acids. The bioavailability of these omega-3 salts was compared with that of fish oil ethyl ester in mice. Animals were given 8 mg of omega-3 fatty acid ethyl ester concentrate (control), calcium- or magnesium-omega-3 salts daily for three weeks. The omega-3 salt products resulted in omega-3 fatty acid content in serum and red blood cell membranes comparable to that produced by the ethyl ester supplementation. In addition, fecal excretion of omega-3 fatty acids was not increased by the presence of calcium or magnesium. In fact, there was a tendency for less omega-3 fatty acids to be excreted.

Regulation of ω-3 fish oil emulsion on the SIRS during the initial stage of severe acute pancreatitis

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of parenteral supplementation with omega-3 fish oil emulsion (Omegaven) on systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) during the initial stage of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). In a prospective, randomized and controlled trial, 60 patients with SAP were randomized either to treat with conventional therapy (Con group, n=30) or conventional therapy plus intravenous supplementation with omega-3 fish oil emulsion 0.2 g/kg every day (FO group, n=30). The effects were analyzed by the SIRS-related indexes. The results showed that APACHE-II scores in FO group were significantly lower, and the gap increased much farther after the 4th day than those in Con group (P<0.05). Fluid equilibrium time became shorter markedly in FO group than in Con group (5.1+/-2.2 days vs 8.4+/-2.3 days). In FO group, SIRS scores were markedly decreased and the SIRS state vanished after the 4th day; Plasma level of TNF-alpha was significantly reduced, while IL-10 decreased markedly, most prominently between the 4th and 7th day, and the ratio of IL-10/TNF-alpha raised as compared with Con group (P<0.05). During the initial stage of SAP, parenteral supplementation with omega-3 fish oil emulsion could efficiently lower the magnitude and persistence time of the SIRS, markedly retrieve the unbalance of the pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines, improve severe condition of illness and may provide a new way to regulate the SIRS.

Drug therapy for hypertriglyceridemia: Fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids

The reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients at risk for acute cardiovascular events is the cornerstone of lipid management in both the primary and secondary prevention settings. Serum triglyceride levels exceeding 150 mg/dL are abnormal and confer increased risk for developing coronary artery disease in both men and women. Serum triglycerides are derived from both dietary and endogenous biosynthetic pathways. Triglyceride metabolism has a complex regulatory circuitry and intimately impacts the production and disposal of multiple lipoprotein species. Hypertriglyceridemia is highly prevalent and is associated with multiple forms of dyslipidemia but tends to be undertreated. Therapeutic intervention with fibric acid derivatives and omega-3 fish oils is associated with significant reductions in both fasting and postprandial serum triglyceride concentrations. A variety of prospective, placebo-controlled clinical trials have also shown that these agents significantly impact risk for multiple cardiovascular end points.