Cardio Benefits of Omega-3s Called Into Question

In a recent meta-analysis of 10 large trials, researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids had no significant association with coronary heart disease or any major vascular events, thus calling into question existing recommendations that advise the use of omega-3 supplements in patients with these conditions.

For their analysis, the researchers evaluated data on 77,917 high-risk individuals (mean age at entry: 64.0 years) enrolled in 10 trials that had investigated the association of omega-3 fatty acid supplements with the risk of fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease and major vascular events.
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Ultimately, the researchers analyzed the associations of treatment with outcomes for 6273 coronary heart disease events and 12,001 major vascular events. Results showed that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation had no significant association with coronary heart disease mortality (RR 0.93), nonfatal myocardial infarction (RR 0.97), any coronary heart disease events (RR 0.96) or any major vascular events (RR 0.97), overall or in any subgroups.

“This meta-analysis demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids had no significant association with fatal or nonfatal coronary heart disease or any major vascular events,” the researchers concluded. “It provides no support for current recommendations for the use of such supplements in people with a history of coronary heart disease.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Aung T, Halsey J, Kromhout D, et al. Associations of omega-3 fatty acid supplement use with cardiovascular disease risks: meta-analysis of 10 trials involving 77,917 individuals [Published online January 31, 2018]. JAMA Cardiol. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2017.5205.