Meta-analysis Omega-3 supplements do not protect against heart disease

Can taking omega-3 protect us from heart disease??

The intake of omega-3 fatty acids is often touted as a simple way to protect the heart. Researchers have now discovered that there is really little evidence of protection from heart disease from taking omega-3s.

The researchers from the University of East Anglia found in their current study that taking omega-3 fatty acids does not protect against heart disease. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews".

Data from more than 100,000 subjects were analyzed

The experts studied several studies in which more than 100,000 people participated. Little evidence of protection against heart disease was found. However, despite the lack of protective effects, the consumption of fatty fish can be recommended as part of a healthy diet, the researchers say. Most of the studies looked at dietary supplements rather than omega-3 intake from fish. For example, the NHS advises that people should try to eat two servings of fish a week, at best a portion of which should be oily fish like salmon, fresh tuna or mackerel.

What are omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids contain so-called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body can not produce itself. ALA are contained in fatty fish, fish oils and cod liver oil. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids also contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can be produced in the body from ALA, but are also found in oily fish, fish oils and cod liver oil. There are also milk, yogurt, bread and spreads that contain additional Omega-3. When it comes to fish oil supplements, the results may refute that omega-3 supplements may protect the heart, explains study author Dr. Lee Hooper of the University of East Anglia.

Omega-3 supplementation is not conducive to heart health

This vast systematic review included information from many thousands of people over long periods of time, yet no protective effect was found, adds the physician. The review provides good evidence that taking long-chain omega-3 supplementation is not conducive to heart health and does not reduce the risk of stroke or death. In the current investigation, the intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids consistently showed little or no effect on cardiovascular health.

Some fish species may contain pollutants

Certain fish species contain substances that can be harmful to health in large quantities. Shark, marlin and swordfish may contain small amounts of mercury and should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and by all children under the age of 16 years. But other people should not eat more than a portion of these fish per week.

Buy fish and vegetables instead

Supplements are associated with additional costs. Therefore, people who buy the products in the hope that they reduce the risk of heart disease, rather invest their money in vegetables and fresh fish, experts explain. (As)