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Farm animals could be genetically modified to produce more cardioprotective omega 3 fatty acids

A review on omega 3 fatty acids published in the British Medical Journal 2004 (Jan 3) recommends fish or fish oil supplements (naturally high in omega 3 fats) to prevent heart attacks, especially if someone already has vascular disease. Exactly how they reduce heart disease is not certain, but it is suspected to be linked to their ability to lower blood triglycerides (a blood fat) and blood pressure, prevent clotting and inflammation and reduce abnornmal heart rhythms. Studies have shown that fish oil capsules taken by people who have had a heart attack reduce the risk of a second heart attack by 30-48%. US researchers published a study in the Journal Nature (February 2004) showing that mice were able to produce omega 3 fatty acids after being inserted with an engineered worm gene.
The researchers believe that if this worm gene is transferred to farm animals it would make life 'easier' for consumers, who don't want to eat fish or take capsules.
HECs Professor Mark Wahlqvist shares his skeptical views about this with ABC radio in Australia more......