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The benefits of fish oil: fact or fiction?

Recent trials have shown that taking omega-3 supplements does not prevent heart attacks and death related to heart disease

Published Fri, Oct 19, 2018 · 09:50 PM

    IN 2002, the American Heart Association (AHA) published a scientific statement, "Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease".

    At that time, based on evidence from two large randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that demonstrated that consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements significantly reduced fatal cardiac events, the AHA recommended that patients with documented heart artery disease consume about one gram/day of EPA and DHA, preferably from oily fish, but EPA and DHA supplements could be considered in consultation with a physician.

    The statement recommended that additional studies be done to confirm the findings and to further understand the potential benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements in those with and without underlying heart disease.

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