the global market for omega-3 supplements
may be a whopping $2.56 billion us, but a new trial is calling into question whether swallowing capsules or gulping fish oil can actually do much to help prevent heart issues.in 2017, a science advisory from the american heart association
said that omega-3 fish oil supplements provide some benefit after heart attack or heart failure. however, many adults take the supplements as a preventative measure, though as harvard health
notes, “the impact of fish oil supplements on preventing a first heart attack or stroke (primary prevention) was never clearly demonstrated.”at the american heart association’s scientific sessions 2020, researchers
presented the findings of an international phase iii study involving 13,078 adults in 22 countries. the study started in 2014 with regular follow-ups for the participants, all of whom were at increased risk of heart disease because of
diabetes or lifestyle risks, were taking cholesterol-lowering statins or had blockages to the heart, brain or legs.according to the trial, about 1,580 patients experienced at least one cardiac event and there were no signifciant differences in the cardiac events between those taking four grams of fish oil supplements with the omega-3 fatty acids epa and dha daily, versus those taking a corn oil placebo.“many people continue to take fish oil supplements to prevent heart disease. however, the fish oil medication we tested in the strength trial was not effective for that purpose,” says lead author a. michael lincoff, vice chairman for research of the department of cardiovascular medicine and an interventional cardiologist in the heart, vascular & thoracic institute at the cleveland clinic.“we believe the questions surrounding the benefit versus risk of fish oil will remain unanswered unless another trial using a neutral placebo such as corn oil is able to definitively show cardiovascular benefits for an omega-3 fatty acid medication.”although the supplements appear not to have preventative benefits, that doesn’t mean you should cross fish off the menu. penn medicine
notes that “some studies have shown greater benefit from getting omega-3s from food as opposed to supplements.”writing in harvard health 2013, dr. howard lewine
also pointed out that “how food, and its component molecules, affect the body is largely a mystery. that makes the use of supplements for anything other than treating a deficiency questionable … it’s more than likely that you need the entire orchestra of fish fats, vitamins, minerals, and supporting molecules, rather than the lone notes of epa and dha.”the american heart association
recommends eating two servings of fish per week, especially fatty fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna. in general, the association
says fish, poultry and beans are better for your health than red meat since they tend to have less saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol.canada’s heart and stroke foundation also
notes that cold water fish, such as mackerel, sardines, herring, rainbow trout and salmon, are a great source of omega-3 fat, “which can help prevent clotting of blood, reducing the risk of stroke and also helps lower triglycerides, a type of blood fat linked to heart disease.”
if you or someone you care about is living with heart disease and stroke, connecting with a support network can help to not only learn ways to better manage their health, but also share experiences with others. some canadian resources include social and peer support at the heart and stroke foundation.don’t miss the latest on covid-19, reopening and life. subscribe to healthing’s daily newsletter covid life.
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