Reduction of prothrombin and Factor V levels following supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is sex dependent: a randomised controlled study.

Background: LCn-3PUFA comprised of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) offer cardioprotection involving a decrease in coagulant activity; however, the evidence is equivocal. We have previously demonstrated that the acute (24 h) effects and chronic (4 weeks) effects of LCn-3PUFA supplementation on platelet aggregation in human subjects are sex specific. This study investigated the mechanisms of the sex-dependent effects of LCn-3PUFA with 4 weeks supplementation of EPA-rich vs. DHA-rich oils on procoagulant and platelet activity in healthy subjects.

Design: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial was conducted in 94 healthy adults: male (n=41) and female (n=53). Platelet coagulation parameters including factors I, II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, vWF:Ag and endogenous thrombin potential were measured at baseline and 4 weeks postsupplementation with EPA-rich or DHA-rich oil capsules.

Results: We have previously reported that platelet aggregation is specifically reduced by supplementation with EPA in males and DHA in females. This sex-specific effect was also observed for decreases in plasma levels of Factor II (-7.9 ± 3.8%, P=.026), Factor V (-6.5 ± 4.5%, P=.022) and vWF:Ag (-7.3 ± 2.1%, P=.034) and was most pronounced in males supplemented with EPA. In contrast, DHA-mediated reduction in platelet aggregation in females was not accompanied by any significant changes in the coagulation parameters tested.

Conclusion: Significant interactions between sex and specific LCn-3PUFA exist to reduce procoagulant activity differentially in males vs. females and could have profound effects on managing risk of thrombotic disease.