CRN advocates blood pressure health claim for fish oil

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition on Monday submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration advocating a new qualified health claim for EPA+DHA and blood-pressure reduction. 

 

"Approval of health claim language regarding EPA+DHA and blood-pressure reduction would help policy makers, healthcare professionals, educators and consumers recognize the benefit of these nutrients and subsequently reduce U.S. morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke," the association stated.

 

The public health burden of high blood pressure is extensive. As many as 31% of Americans are hypertensive, 30% are considered prehypertensive and approximately 20% are hypertensive yet unaware of their status. Of those with hypertension, the blood pressure of only 47% is adequately controlled, CRN noted.

 

"Prior research shows that diet and lifestyle modifications, including physical activity, sodium reduction, and fish oil  supplementation, can reduce blood pressure and decrease cardiovascular disease risk."