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The fish oil debate has raged back and forth…
The supplements became popular after researchers
discovered in the 1970s that heart disease was virtually nonexistent among
Greenland Inuits, who have a high intake of fish oil.
Studies found that fish oil capsules were so
effective in preventing heart attacks that the FDA approved two omega-3
prescription drugs. They are Lovasa and Vascepa. Omega-3s are fatty acids that
are the active ingredient in fish oil.
In recent years, though, some studies found that
over-the-counter fish oil supplements don’t work. Headlines proclaimed fish oil
was a fraud.[1]
Now, the results are in on the largest analysis
ever on fish oil.
The verdict?
It works.
The study comes from Harvard University and Brigham and
Women’s Hospital. Researchers looked at data from more than 120,000 subjects.[2]
They concluded that people who took daily omega-3 fish oil
supplements cut their risk of heart attack and coronary artery disease by 8%.
That may not seem like much. But an 8% drop in heart disease
would save nearly 50,000 American lives a year.[3]
Dr. Yang Hu was the lead author. He said that the study
“found significant protective effects” for fish oil. The researchers discovered
a “dose-response” effect. In other words, the higher the dose, the lower the
odds of heart disease.
So why did some previous studies find fish oil to be
ineffective?
Two things…
First, many of these studies were funded by Amarin Pharma.
It’s a company that makes prescription fish oil meds. They have a vested
interest in downplaying the value of over-the-counter fish oil.[4]
Second, most of these studies used a relatively low dose—840
mg. The Amarin-backed research found their drug to be effective…but at doses of
4,000 mg a day. It’s likely the studies found regular fish oil didn’t work
because they were under-dosing their subjects.[5]
Take
the Right Kind of Fish Oil
You don’t need a prescription fish oil to obtain
heart-protective benefits. But you should make sure you get the right kind of over-the-counter fish oil
supplements.
Most fish oils are made with a cheap, fast manufacturing
process that yields something called an ethyl ester (EE). This kind of fish oil
is less bioavailable. Labels of EE fish oil often say the product is derived
from “marine oil concentrate.”[6]
Instead, look for brands that contain the triglyceride form
of fish oil. It should be noted on the label.
A high-quality fish oil will also be relatively free of any
fishy tastes or smells. The oil should be relatively translucent and free of
cloudiness.
You’re more likely to find quality fish oil supplements at
health food stores and online than at drug stores and supermarkets.
According
to the European Food Safety Authority, omega-3 supplements can be safely
consumed at doses up to 5,000 mg daily.[7]
But if you’re on a blood-thinning medication, check with
your doctor before taking fish oil.
The biggest ever omega-3 study settles the argument: Taking fish oil in sufficient doses is one of
the best things you can do for your heart.
Editor’s Note: If you’re concerned about heart disease, there’s
something you should know: Research shows the standard mainstream medical
treatments to prevent heart attacks—stents and statin drugs—don’t work. Learn
what does work in the October issue
of our monthly journal, Independent Healing. It’s your best
source for science-based health advice. Find out how to subscribe HERE.
Related
Articles
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[1]https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/no-fish-oil-supplements-do-notrepresent-false-promise1/
[2]https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.013543
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
[4]https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/no-fish-oil-supplements-do-notrepresent-false-promise1/
[5]https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/no-fish-oil-supplements-do-notrepresent-false-promise1/
[6]https://www.mygenefood.com/find-best-omega-3-fish-oil-supplements
[7]https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fish-oil-dosage
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