Omega-3 Supplements Do Not Protect Against Heart Disease

Omega-3 supplements do not protect against heart disease and other chronic conditions, according to a review published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Researchers reviewed 79 studies that compared consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) with cardiovascular health. Long-chain fatty acids from fish oil supplements did not protect against all-cause mortality and did not reduce the risk for cardiovascular events. Results showed increased consumption of ALAs from plant-foods provided a protective effect against coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular events.  The authors note that previous recommendations for fish oil supplementation derived from biased research.