The complicated relationship between fish oil and heart health

For nearly two decades, the American Heart Association (AHA) has recommended that people with coronary heart disease (CHD) consume omega-3-fatty acids (the kinds of fatty acids found in fish and fish oil) to prevent another heart attack. This recommendation was based on early randomized, controlled trials, which found that fish oil supplementation was associated with lower rates of stroke, heart attack, and death in people who already had heart disease. On the other hand, the impact of fish oil supplements on preventing a first heart attack or stroke (primary prevention) was never clearly demonstrated. Recently there have been large trials examining the complex relationship between fish oil and heart health. The results have been mixed and somewhat confusing, leaving both patients and physicians to wonder: will fish oil supplements reduce my risk of heart disease? What’s the connection between fish oil and heart health? How might omega-3-fatty acids found in fish oil provide heart health? Multiple possibilities have been proposed and are supported by animal research. These protective mechanisms include stabilizing blood flow in and around the heart reducing blood triglyceride levels lowering blood pressure preventing blood clots reducing inflammation. Research examining each of these is ongoing. Many studies, varied results Despite these animal data, clinical studies in humans have not consistently supported the protective benefits of fish oil supplementation. A meta‐an...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Drugs and Supplements Health Heart Health Nutrition Source Type: blogs