No Association of Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake with Coronary Calcification: The Rotterdam Coronary Calcification Study

Background: Fish and EPA/DHA intake is inversely related to risk of CHD. The underlying mechanism for this cardioprotective effect, however, is not yet clear. Objective: To examine fish and EPA/DHA intake in relation to calcification of the coronary arteries in a general Dutch population. Methods: Coronary calcification was detected with electron beam computed tomography between 1997-2000 in 1,570 subjects who were free of CHD (44% male, mean age: 64 y). Severe calcification was defined as an Agatston score >400. Dietary intake, including fish consumed during dinner, lunch and between meals, was assessed in 1990-1993 with a semiquantitative FFQ. Prevalence ratios (PR) for severe calcification were obtained by log-binomial regression (reference: Agatston score =20 vs. 0 g/d was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.75-1.27) in men and 0.85 (0.57-1.28) in women. PR for EPA/DHA (upper vs. lower tertile) were 0.94 (0.74-1.19) in men and 1.11 (0.76-1.62) in women. Conclusion: Our data do not support a role for EPA/DHA in coronary calcification in a general older population with a low or moderate level of fish intake