Haemostatic function and platelet polyunsaturated fatty acids in Eskimos
Dyerberg, J.; Bang, H.O.
Lancet 2(8140): 433-435
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 89498 Document Number: 141554
Death from cardiovascular disease is rare among Eskimos. Hemostasis was investigated in 21 Greenland Eskimos and 21 age and sex matched Danish controls. Platelet lipid analysis demonstrated that a high consumption of .omega.-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as cis 5, 8, 11, 14, 17-eicosapentaenoic acid [C20:5]) by Eskimos increased the proportion of .omega.-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the platelets. The Eskimos had a significantly longer bleeding-time due to reduced platelet aggregation. C20:5 in the platelets may be converted by the vascular endothelium to anti-aggregatory prostacyclin. Partial dietary substitution of arachidonic acid by eicosapentaenoic acid may reduce the incidence of thrombotic disorders, including myocardial infarction.