Uses of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
The present invention is directed to methods of acutely improving or enhancing cardiovascular and/or cognitive function, comprising the administration of LCPUFAs, in particular docosahexanoic acid (DHA), uses and compositions thereof.
1 . A method for acutely reducing blood pressure or pulse pressure in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the DHA is present in triglyceride form, ethyl ester form, phospholipid form, or free fatty acid form.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the DHA is LCPUFAs are present in one or more DHA-containing oils.
4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the one or more DHA-containing oils comprise an oil obtained from a single cell organism, a plant oil or a fish oil, or a concentrated form thereof.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the DHA is administered in a dose of at least about 500 mg.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the DHA is administered in a dose of about 4 g.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the reduction in blood pressure or pulse pressure in the subject occurs within about 4 hours of administration of the DHA.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the DHA is administered orally.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the DHA is added to a food or drink for consumption by the subject prior to administration.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the reduction in blood pressure comprises a reduction in brachial systolic blood pressure and/or in aortic systolic blood pressure, a reduction in brachial and/or aortic diastolic blood pressure, and/or a reduction in brachial and/or aortic mean arterial blood pressure.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the reduction in pulse pressure comprises a reduction in brachial pulse pressure and/or a reduction in aortic pulse pressure.