Two recent studies have indicated that fish oil capsules may
not confer any benefits to the health-conscious. Both studies looked at whether supplementing
one’s diet with long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids resulted in a
reduced rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
The studies found no significant protection against such diseases when
compared to other types of dietary fat.
Dr. Rajiv Chowdhury, a cardiovascular epidemiologist at the
University of Cambridge, stated that of the range of fats studied, only trans
fats showed a clear negative effect on heart health. Chowdhury co-authored the review published in
the March 18th Annals of
Internal Medicine.
“Looking at the 17 randomized clinical trials that we
combined, the majority of the trials, especially the more recent and large
scale ones, showed consistently little or no significant effect on reducing
coronary disease events,” Chowdhury said.
Additionally, saturated fats, considered unhealthy, posed no
additional risks for heart disease according to Chowdhury. They carried about the same cardiac risk as
unsaturated fats, omega - 3 fatty acids and omega - 6 fatty acids.
The second study, published March 17th in JAMA
Internal Medicine came to the same conclusion although the study had originally
been reviewing the use of omega – 3s for eye health. Researchers, however, used the data to examine
whether the supplements could also help prevent heart disease.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade association
representing the diary supplement industry, released a statement calling the
new reports “potentially irresponsible” and reproaching them for causing “nutritional
guidance whiplash.”
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