Stroke – a sudden nightmare that takes away the health and sometimes the lives of millions of people every year. In particular, the elderly is the most vulnerable to this acute neurological disease. The process of recovering from a stroke is an arduous battle, requiring perseverance and great resources. Is there any solution to help us proactively prevent and improve the ability to recover from a stroke? Recent studies have revealed a new ray of hope with the important role of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be a powerful “weapon” to support the process of preventing stroke in the elderly.

The elderly are at very high risk of stroke.

1. What is Omega-3?

Omega-3 is a family of fatty acids that play an essential role in the body and are beneficial to health. However, our bodies not able to produce Omega-3 on their own and must supplement them from our daily diet. The three most important acids in the omega-3 “family” are ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

“Family” of Omega-3: ALA, DHA và EPA

– ALA is the most common Omega-3 fatty acid and is essential to include in your diet through nuts, chia seeds, canola oil and soybeans. ALA is mainly converted into energy in the body, but a small proportion can also be converted to EPA and DHA.

– EPA performs a number of functions in the human body, the most important of which is to reduce triglyceride levels in the blood and improve cardiovascular health. In addition, a portion of EPA can also be converted to DHA.

– DHA is the most important Omega-3 fatty acid in the body. DHA is an essential component in the structure of the cerebral cortex, retina and many other body parts. DHA is found most in animal products such as fatty fish and fish oil.

– Omega-3 acts in the body through many different mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and improving blood circulation.

– Omega-3 affects inflammatory expression through many different mechanisms. The most prominent of which is through inflammatory chemical mediators such as cytokines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, etc. Studies show that DHA and EPA supplementation has the ability to promote the formation of natural anti-inflammatory substances such as resolvin and protectin, allowing prevention and reduction of inflammation.

– Omega-3 has two structural types: Triglyceride and Ethyl Ester, although both of these forms have different origins and qualities, they are both high antioxidants.

– Studies have also shown that the DHA and EPA components in Omega-3 help stabilize plaque that causes atherosclerosis, while also preventing the formation of atherosclerosis, blood clots, and venous obstruction. From there, the body increases blood circulation, blood circulation is improved.

Omega-3 is the savior of cardiovascular health

2. How Omega-3 Works in Stroke Prevention

Omega-3 has been widely studied for its health benefits, especially for the cardiovascular system. One of the notable effects of Omega-3 is its ability to prevent stroke. So, Omega 3 achieve these “miraculous” effects through which mechanism?

First, Omega-3 plays an important role in regulating blood lipids. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce triglycerides – a type of neutral fat in the blood. When triglyceride levels are high, the blood becomes more viscous, increasing the risk of blood clots. In addition, omega-3 also has the effect of increasing HDL cholesterol – the “good” cholesterol. HDL has the function of transporting excess cholesterol out of the arteries, allowing the blood vessels to be cleaned. [9]

Furthermore, one of the main causes of stroke is the formation of blood clots and blockage of blood vessels. Many studies have shown that omega-3 found in fatty fish, flaxseeds or walnuts helps thin the blood and prevent blood clots. In addition, it also reduces atherosclerosis, thereby significantly reducing the risk of blood clots and blockages.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, Omega-3s are involved in controlling blood clotting.

Finally, Omega-3 has a mechanism to reduce inflammation, preventing atherosclerosis. Chronic inflammation is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Omega-3 has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, allowing to reduce the production of inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing endothelial damage and preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. This plaque can rupture and cause blockage of blood vessels, leading to stroke.[12]

Many studies have clearly demonstrated the effect of omega-3 in stroke prevention. A 2024 study showed promising results that higher levels of omega-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) were associated with a lower risk of total stroke and ischemic stroke. Another study found that omega-3 may indirectly reduce the incidence of ischemic stroke by lowering blood pressure. Therefore, regulating blood pressure may be one of the mechanisms by which omega-3 prevents stroke. In particular, incorporating increased omega-3 intake into the diet may serve as one of the dietary intervention strategies for patients with hypertension.

3. Dosage and usage of Omega-3

As mentioned above, Omega-3 is an essential fat that brings many benefits to the health of the elderly in general and stroke prevention in particular. However, Omega-3 supplementation must comply with the correct dosage to achieve the best effect for users. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)[1] [2] [3] [4] recommends that using 3000 mg of combined DHA and EPA from food and supplements per day is safe for most people. In addition, according to the American Heart Association, patients with coronary heart disease should supplement about 1000 mg of EPA and DHA (combined) per day. For patients with hypertriglyceridemia (high blood fat), the recommended supplement is 2–4 g/day as directed by a doctor. Long-term overdose of Omega-3 can cause some unwanted side effects such as impaired immune system function, increased bleeding time (blood thinning). Therefore, users should be cautious and consult a doctor before starting Omega-3 supplementation.

Another important point to note when providing Omega-3 to the body is to prioritize supplementation from natural sources. The best and safest way to supplement Omega-3 to the body is through the daily diet. Foods rich in Omega-3 include fatty fish (salmon, tuna, herring), nuts (chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts), soybean oil. Incorporating these foods into daily meals allow meals to be more diverse and delicious while also helping the body absorb Omega-3 in the most natural and safe way. However, the diet also needs to include all 3 main types of Omega-3, while keeping the ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 at a balanced level.

Omega-3 supply to the body through natural foods helps improve cardiovascular health

However, consuming DHA and EPA from food only contributes a very small amount to the total daily intake of Omega-3 (about 90 mg in adults). Therefore, the elderly can use additional nutritional foods for effective supplement of Omega-3. One of the outstanding products is Nutricare Gold, researched and developed by the Nutricare Medical Nutrition Institute – USA (NMNI-USA). Nutricare Gold contains a formula of Omega 3,6,9 and an Antioxidant system (Vitamin A, C, E & Selenium) that is good for the heart, helps neutralize harmful free radicals, reduces protein and lipid destruction, thereby reducing atherosclerosis, and preventing stroke. In addition, the product is also a comprehensive nutritional solution to enable the elderly recovery and health improvement thanks to the addition of 56 nutrients including vegetable protein and whey protein imported from the US. At the same time, the product also helps strengthen musculoskeletal health, preventing osteoporosis through the addition of calcium, glucosamine and HMB. In particular, lactium in Nutricare Gold has been clinically proven to improve sleep, allowing the elderly to avoid insomnia. Nutricare Gold is currently available in a convenient screw-cap carton form, with a volume of 200ml, which is recommended as the appropriate amount to meet the nutritional needs of Vietnamese people.

Omega-3 is an essential nutrient in stroke prevention strategy in the elderly

Conclusion: Omega-3 is not just a nutrient, but also an important part of a comprehensive stroke prevention strategy. To protect heart and brain health, in addition to supplementing Omega-3, we need to build a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, rich in green vegetables and fruits, combined with regular exercise. Start changing your eating and living habits today to improve your health and effectively prevent stroke for yourself and your loved ones.