Several studies have concluded that fish oil supplementation can reduce high blood pressure.
Examples:
- Harvard researchers have shown that supplementation with 7.7 to 9 grams/day of fish oils will reduce systolic blood pressure by 4 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by 3 mm Hg in individuals with high blood pressure.
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine researchers have shown that fish oil supplementation reduced diastolic pressure by an average of approximately 4.4 mm Hg and systolic pressure by an average of 6.5 mm Hg in individuals with high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is defined as having a systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) greater than 140 and 90 mmHg.
This current study was to investigate whether salmon consumption three times per week improves blood pressure during an energy restricted diet in young adults.
In this 8-week study of 324 young overweight individuals, it was concluded that salmon consumption three times per week can decrease diastolic blood pressure similar to fish oil supplementation and significantly more than lean fish during an energy restricted diet.
References:
1. Morris MC, Sacks F, Rosner B. Does fish oil lower blood pressure? A meta-analysis of controlled trials. Circulation. 1993 Aug;88(2):523-33. PMID: 8339414.
2. Ramel A, Martinez JA, Kiely M, Bandarra NM, Thorsdottir I. Moderate consumption of fatty fish reduces diastolic blood pressure in overweight and obese European young adults during energy restriction. Nutrition. 2009 May 30. PMID: 19487105.
3. Radack K, Deck C, Huster G. Arch Intern Med. 1991 Jun;151(6):1173-80. PMID: 1828336.
