New Study Shows No Heart Disease Protection from Fish Oil Supplements

July 19, 2022 Tim Diet & Nutrition Comments Off on New Study Shows No Heart Disease Protection from Fish Oil Supplements
Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

A new meta-analysis study published on the JAMA Cardiology website shows no coronary heart disease (CHD) protection from using fish oil supplements. A meta-analysis is a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies. This study covered 10 clinical trials including over 77,000 participants. The results reinforce the findings of a previous AHA study from last year that showed similar results.

From the study:

“The results provide no support for current recommendations to use omega-3 fatty acid supplements for the prevention of fatal coronary heart disease or any cardiovascular disease in people who have or at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.”

Fish oil supplementation, while popular, has grown increasingly controversial in the last few years.

A wide variety of products are available, but being supplements, these are not highly regulated by the FDA and quality (and actual ingredients) can vary widely. It is also interesting to note that the earlier AHA study covered mostly prescription fish oil pills – which should be significantly higher quality and purity when compared to over the counter supplements.

Observational studies in Western and Asian populations have reported that regular consumption of fish once or twice a week is associated with lower risks of death from coronary heart disease. But it is important to note that this is via the consumption of fish, not fish oil supplements.

Salmon - excellent source of omega-3 fats

While fish oil supplements may be of questionable value, experts still recommend the consumption of fish.

Most fish are a very lean protein – and eating fish displaces other less healthy sources of protein. Fatty, cold-water fish such as salmon and sardines are also excellent sources of omega-3 fats which have significant health benefits. Currently, the American Heart Association recommends eating two 3½-ounce portions of fish per week.

Our recommendation : eat fish. It’s healthy, tasty, and has important health benefits.

Sardines - excellent source of omega-3 fats

References

Related Articles

No Picture
Diet & Nutrition

Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fats

May 15, 2018 Tim Diet & Nutrition Comments Off on Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fats
Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Omega-3 fatty acids (often called just omega-3s) are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important for a number of functions in the body. They are a type of essential fatty acid so-called because they are required by the body, but cannot be manufactured by the body. Therefore, your diet is an important source of these. Omega-3s can be found in cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon or sardines, or shellfish such as oysters and scallops. Flaxseed, canola oil, and walnuts also are other good dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Because of the importance of these fats, it’s also become popular to use supplements such as fish oil as a source of Omega-3s. The three principal omega-3 fatty [Read more …]

No Picture
Diet & Nutrition

Macronutrients and Calories

September 9, 2018 Tim Diet & Nutrition Comments Off on Macronutrients and Calories
Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

To lose 1 pound of body fat you must have a caloric deficit of 3,600 calories. This can be accomplished by a daily caloric deficit. For example, by consuming 360 calories less than what you need, every day for 10 days you could expect to lose 1 pound. Let’s talk about the three main categories of macronutrients – fat, protein, and carbohydrates. These are the nutrients your body needs in large quantities – for energy and maintenance of cells in the body. The fundamental principle of all weight loss is a deficit in calories. You’ve go to burn more calories than you eat. Your body’s base metabolic needs and physical activity burn the calories you take in. So it’s simple [Read more …]

No Picture
Diet & Nutrition

Omega-6 Fats – What You Need To Know

May 15, 2018 Tim Diet & Nutrition 1
Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Omega-6 fatty acids (often called just omega-6 fats) are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are important for a number of functions in the body. They are a type of essential fatty acid so-called because they are required by the body, but cannot be manufactured or synthesized by the body. Therefore, your diet is an important source of these fats. Omega-6 fats are essential for proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system. They also stimulate skin and hair growth, provide and maintain good bone health, help regulate the metabolism, and help keep the reproductive system healthy. There are several omega-6 fats, including: linoleic acid (one of several), eicosadienoic acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and arachidonic acid [Read more …]