Depending on individual genetic disposition, fish – in particular omega-3 fish oils – has excellent health effects on some people while triggering health problems in others.
Fish, especially omega-3, is healthy for people who have the relevant variant on their APOA1 gene. APOA1 is a well-known gene, and such people benefit from a cholesterol-lowering effect; furthermore, they have exceptional protection against atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. With their gene variant, they can also benefit from blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory effects. That’s why people with this gene variant should eat a lot of oily fish – maybe once a week salmon or mackerel – and also vegetable oils such as olive oil.
By contrast, fish oils are unhealthy for people who have the mutation G to G in this same gene. These people have the disadvantage that their level of HDL cholesterol (i.e. the “good” variety) is significantly reduced, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Intake of polyunsaturated vegetable oils, for example olive oil, should not be unnecessarily increased. This applies in particular for women. In all matters concerning diet, genetic predisposition is decisive, and this is why genetic testing is advisable.
