Omega-3 fatty acids, belonging to the essential unsarurated fatty acids, have to be provided with food. Deficiency of these fatty acids in the diet may enhance the risk of numerous diseases, also of cardiovascular diseases. Evidence from epidemiological and most of clinical studies indicate that increase in fish consumption, that arc the main source of omega-3 fatty acids, or fish oils may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases of atherosclerotic origin. Cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are explained by their influence on lipid profile and carbohydrate metabolism, and also by their antiarrhythmic, antiaggregation and hypotensive effects, as well as by improvement of endothelial function. According to the latest guidelines it is recommended to increase fish consumption in primary prevention, however, in subjects with cardiovascular diseases administration of omega-3 fatty acids in the daily dose of 1 g may be considered.
Zbyt małe spożycie kwasu foliowego i w konsekwencji deficyt tej witaminy w organizmie może być przyczyną wielu chorób. Dla osób starszych najważniejsze konsekwencje zdrowotne związane są ze wzrostem poziomu homocysteiny we krwi, co jest czynnikiem ryzyka chorób sercowo-naczyniowych, niektórych nowotworów, a także zaburzeń funkcji poznawczych.
EN
Inadequate folate intake and in consequence deficient of plasma folate status may have a negative impact on human health. Among elderly the most important effects are related to hiperhomocysteinemia, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, procarcinogenic effects and cognitive dysfunctions. To prevent such situation and improve the quality of life of elderly people, in Poland as in many other countries, different strategies for increasing folate intake were applied, among them food fortification. At the same time it is important to educate people because food fortification and individual diet supplementation applied together could be a risk of exeeding upper level of folate intake.