Research
Mixed
Supplementation with long-chain or short-chain omega-3 fatty acids does not significantly reduce total mortality or combined cardiovascular events in adults, regardless of baseline cardiovascular risk.
Do not rely on omega-3 supplements to prevent heart attacks or death. While eating oily fish is still recommended by guidelines, taking high-dose omega-3 capsules has not been shown to provide the cardiovascular protection previously claimed. Focus on proven lifestyle factors instead.
StrongRefutesHIGH confidence
The pooled estimate showed no strong evidence of reduced risk of total mortality (relative risk 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.73 to 1.03) or combined cardiovascular events (0.95, 0.82 to 1.12) in participants taking additional omega 3 fats.
Why this rating
The study is a high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis of 48 RCTs and 41 cohort studies, rated as providing 'high quality evidence to guide policy and practice'.
Source
Risks and benefits of omega 3 fats for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: systematic review
Lee Hooper et al. · BMJ · 2006
Meta-analysis · 89 studiesCited 680×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →