Fish Oil Supplements:
ARE THEY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Many consumers take fish oil supplements to balance out their diet. But if you’re facing persistent CV risk (P-CVR), then it’s time to get real about what these fish oil supplements actually mean for your heart.
Many patients at risk for a heart attack or stroke are looking for protection beyond what their current cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure medications provide.
That's led millions of patients to place hope in fish oil supplements, which are not intended to be used for cardiovascular (CV) patients.36
But here’s the catch: Fish oil supplements aren’t FDA-approved, intended to treat, cure, or prevent diseases—nor are they proven effective in doing so.12
After many failed
attempts, fish oil
supplements have
not successfully
proven a
CV benefit in clinical studies.37,38*
There are multiple reasons for this:
- Multiple types of omega-3s, each with varying molecular structures and different efficacy, safety, and clinical effects, can behave differently based on how they are manufactured, handled, and administered.39,40
- Typical fish oil supplements contain only 30% of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, with the majority of product consisting of non-omega-3 ingredients, often including saturated fats.40,41
- Certain ingredients in fish oil supplements such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may raise bad cholesterol LDL-C.42
- The science of omega-3s in cardiac health is complex. While there may be useful purposes for fish oil supplements, it's important to note that they are considered food, and are not intended to treat diseases.12,40
If you're at risk for a heart attack or stroke
don't self-medicate with supplements. Work with your doctor on a proven plan to reduce your risk today.
DHA=docosahexaenoic acid; EPA=eicosapentaenoic acid.
*This meta-analysis demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids showed no significant association with fatal or nonfatal coronary heart disease or reductions in any major cardiovascular events. It provides no support for current recommendations for the use of such supplements in people with a history of coronary heart disease.37