Trial shows Enriched Omega-3 Chicken reduces heart attack risk
The clinical trial involved 161 subjects which consumed at least three portions of chickens and eggs per week, that were naturally enriched with omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA), the same nutrients found in oily fish.
The results of the study showed an increase in omega-3-PUFA levels in blood and a positive shift in what is described as the 'omega-3 Index'-a test that measures the amount of the omega-3 fatty acids, Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) in red blood cell membranes, which reflects the levels in your heart and other tissues.
A low omega-3 Index (<4%) indicates a heightened risk of heart and brain disease. The study showed that consuming omega-3 enriched chicken and eggs resulted in a halving of the number of subjects with such a high-risk omega-3 Index.
The chicken meat and eggs used in the study came from birds offered OmegaPro, a sustainable and algae-based source of omega-3 PUFA, developed by Devenish.
"Greater consumption of oily fish has long been linked to a reduced incidence of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer and improved brain health, vision, muscle and joint health," said Professor Alice Stanton of The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
"International guidelines recommend eating oily fish at least once per week, however, many people do not eat fish at all and less than 20% of the world's population have optimal omega-3 PUFA levels," Professor Stanton added.
Furthermore, Owen Brennan, Executive Chairman, Devenish, added:
"We worked closely with Moy Park, Waitrose and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, to deliver an innovative, nutrient-rich food, that increases omega-3 levels in consumers, naturally. The science shows the importance of food nutrients to promote good health in consumers and the innovation starts on the farm."
The results of the novel 6-month clinical trial were presented on a world stage at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions Conference in Anaheim, California, on 14th November 2017.
Photo: Professor Alice Stanton of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland who delivered the world-first clinical trial on behalf of Devenish
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