Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Atherosclerosis in Birds

Key Points

  • Atherosclerosis, or plaque formation in the arteries, is a common disease in many avian species.
  • No definitive method of diagnosing atherosclerosis antemortem in birds currently exists.
  • Atherosclerosis is now believed to be due to prolonged chronic inflammation rather than solely too much dietary cholesterol and/or fat.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids are less inflammatory than omega-6 fatty acids.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids also have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties to aid in disease prevention.

What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is characterized by fibrous plaques between the tunica intima and the internal elastic lamina of the vasculature. The heart, great vessels, and peripheral vessels of all sizes can be affected. Atherosclerosis begins with the formation of fatty streaks, which can eventually progress into fibrous plaques and complicated lesions . . .


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