DHA, Heart Disease, and Socioeconomic Status

Researchers trying to figure out why those of lower socioeconomic status have greater rates of heart disease came upon the interesting discovery that they had a significant lack of essential fatty acids¹ in their red blood cells (meaning they don’t consume much dietary or supplemental DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement. or EPA Eicosapentanoic acid. Type of long chain essential fatty acid - Omega 3 oil. Works in concert with DHA. Must gotten through food sources such as deep cold water fish or some limited plant sources or taken as a supplement. ).

Health conscious consumers have known for quite a few years to supplement their diets with essential fatty acids like DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement..  It is well known that lower income individuals eat a lot more junk food and junk fat, setting the stage for early onset of self-inflicted disease.

With some sort of national health care on the horizon these issues become more important than ever, since the cost of care for these self-inflected problems will be disproportionately shifted to those who are taking better care of themselves.

It is high time our government actually did something effective.  First of all, the mercury, PCB Polycholorinated biphenyls are a class of organic compounds that are persistent eviromental pollutants. Found in electrical components, paints, plasticizers, and much more. Implicated in a number of cancers., and toxic residue levels in omega-3 oil fatty fish should be measured and a strict levels of exposure should be mandated by law so that when Americans eat these fish we know they are safe.

Secondly, there should be mandatory levels of grass feeding for all dairy and red meat foods, with consequent assays of the omega 3 fatty acids in these animals before they can be sold anywhere as food to eat (right now most meats and dairy products contain little omega 3).

Such efforts would drastically alter heart disease in this country, while providing all Americans with a higher quality food supply.  Of course, these changes are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of improving the food supply.

I am waiting to hear from any candidate that has the slightest plan to actual improve the quality of food in this country – and consequently the quality of health for our citizens (a true reduction in health care expenses).