Evidence for a protective (synergistic?) effect of B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular diseases

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#cardiovascular-diseases #dietary-supplements #drug-synergism #fatty-acids-omega-3 #folic-acid

Evidence for a protective (synergistic?) effect of B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular diseases

de et al., 2004 | Eur J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

de Bree A, Mennen L I, ... Galan P. Evidence for a protective (synergistic?) effect of B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular diseases. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2004-May;58(5):732-44

Abstract

The results of dietary intervention trials favor the hypothesis that higher intakes of B-vitamins (folate, vitamin B(6) and B(12)), and subsequently lower total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations, are causally associated with a decreased risk of vascular disease in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The same is true for a higher intake of omega-3 fish fatty acids. Yet, the lack of hard end points and/or appropriate study designs precludes a definitive conclusion about causality. In the future, intervention trials with hard end points and randomized double-blind placebo-controlled designs should be able to elucidate the causality problem. There are several pathways by which B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids may exert their protective effect on CVD, a common pathway is a beneficial effect on the endothelial function and hemostasis. With respect to synergy between B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, there is no evidence that fish oils have a tHcy-lowering effect beyond the effect of the B-vitamins. Nevertheless, animal studies clearly illustrate that vitamin B(6)- as well as folate-metabolism are linked with those of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, a human study indicated synergistic effects of folic acid (synthetic form of folate) and vitamin B(6) together with omega-3 fatty acids on the atherogenic index and the fibrinogen concentration. Although these results are promising, they were produced in very small selective study populations. Thus, confirmation in large well-designed intervention trials is warranted.

Key Findings

Thus, confirmation in large well-designed intervention trials is warranted.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population cardiovascular diseases
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Drug Synergism
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Folic Acid
  • Homocysteine
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Vitamin B 6

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-b6

Provenance

  • PMID: 15116076
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09