Research
Macro partitioning
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce plasma triglyceride concentrations by less than 24% and may marginally increase LDL-cholesterol, though LDL particle size increases.
If you take fish oil for high triglycerides, expect a reduction of up to 24%. Be aware that your total LDL number might tick up slightly, but this is often offset by an improvement in LDL particle size (larger, less dangerous particles). Monitor your full lipid panel, not just LDL-C.
LimitedQualifiesHIGH confidence
The major effect of v-3 FAs on lipids is associated with their ability to reduce plasma triglyceride concentration. Both fasting and postprandial concentrations of triglycerides are reduced by <24%. ... One adverse lipid abnormality observed with administration of v-3 FAs was a marginal increase in LDL-cholesterol in treatment groups.
Why this rating
Based on multiple studies cited in the review.
Source
Omega-3 fatty acids: a comprehensive review of their role in health and disease
B M Yashodhara et al. · Postgraduate Medical Journal · 2009
DOI 10.1136/pgmj.2008.073338
narrative_reviewCited 327×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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- Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by lowering triglycerides, reducing blood pressure, and decreasing arrhythmia risk.Limited
- Maternal intake of Omega-3 fatty acids (specifically DHA) reduces the risk of premature birth and improves fetal intellectual development.Limited
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