In a nutshell
This study investigated whether marine omega-3 supplementation is associated with a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Researchers suggested that omega-3 is associated with a risk reduction of CVD.
Some background
CVD is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the US. It refers to conditions that involve blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or stroke.
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid present in fish oils. It lowers the levels of cholesterol (fat) in the blood. This might prevent CVDs. Prior studies showed that omega-3 is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. However, other studies found no association between omega-3 and improved risk of CVD. It is necessary to study further these conflicting results.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to investigate whether omega 3, at different doses, lowers the risk of CVD. This study reviewed 13 other studies. It included information about 127 477 patients with CVD. These patients received omega-3 for 5-years after a CVD event.
Patients receiving omega-3 had an 8% improvement in the odds of a lower risk of heart attack or death by a heart attack. It also improved by 5% the risk of CVD.
A significant dose-response association between omega-3 and CVD was also found. This means that every 1000mg/day of omega-3 lead to a 9% reduction in the risk of heart attack and a 7% reduction in the risk of CVD.
The bottom line
This study concluded that omega-3 supplementation was associated with a lower risk of CVD.
The fine print
Some data was missing and was not included in the analysis. This might have influenced the results.
Published By :
Journal of the American Heart Association
Date :
Oct 01, 2019
