The acute and short-time effect of supplementation with the combination of n-3 fatty acids and acetylsalicylic acid on platelet function and plasma lipids

Antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is commonly used to reduce the risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular events. Fish consumption has been inversely related to coronary disease, which has been partly attributed to an inhibitory effect of n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n - 3 PLEA) on platelet production of tromboxane A(2). In this study, we investigated the acute and short-time effect of supplementation with n - 3 PUFA and intravenous ASA on platelet function, platelet fatty acid composition and plasma lipids. Eighteen healthy men were randomly allocated to a daily intake of 10 g n - 3 PUFA or placebo. After this supplement (14 h and 14 days), blood was sampled before and after intravenous injection of 100 mg ASA. n - 3 PUFA given for 14 days caused a minor inhibition of platelet reactivity but negligible compared to 100 mg ASA. No additive effect of n - 3 PUFA and ASA Could be demonstrated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.