Mixed
Higher circulating levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DPA, DHA) are associated with a 15-18% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to the lowest levels.
To potentially lower your risk of premature death, aim for higher blood levels of long-chain omega-3s (EPA, DHA, DPA). This study suggests that individuals with lower baseline levels may benefit most from increasing these fatty acids, potentially through supplementation if dietary intake is insufficient, as biomarker levels are a stronger predictor of longevity than self-reported fish consumption.
We found that, after multivariable adjustment for relevant risk factors, risk for death from all causes was significantly lower (by 15–18%, at least p < 0.003) in the highest vs the lowest quintile for circulating long chain (20–22 carbon) omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids).
Why this rating
Large-scale pooled analysis of 17 prospective cohorts with over 42,000 participants and 15,720 deaths.
Source
Blood n-3 fatty acid levels and total and cause-specific mortality from 17 prospective studies
William S. Harris et al. · Nature Communications · 2021
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