Omega 3 fish oil evidence

What's the balanced view?

There is a mass of evidence accumulated over years that Omega 3 fish oil supplements have positive benefits on brain health, on helping reduce inflammation, on eye and joint health and on overall heart health.

So when the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published an article Regular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort study | BMJ Medicine, suggesting that regular intake of Omega 3 might increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) by 13% - it understandably made headlines.

So, what’s the broader story? What’s a balanced viewpoint?

♥ The BMJ report was an observational study, meaning it highlighted associations but did not establish causality. So, while there seemed to be an association between fish oil supplement use and AFib, it does not prove that fish oil causes AFib.

♥ For individuals who did develop AFib during the course of the study, the results showed that their regular fish oil supplementation might well be leading to a potential reduction in progression from AFib to serious adverse cardiovascular events.

Omega 3 fish oil evidence NutriShield Multi Vitamins and Minerals — Omega 3 supports the heart

Omega 3 fish oil – the case FOR

Omega-3 supplements, particularly those deriving from fish oil, have been extensively studied and are an important part of an overall health regime. Here are some research-based benefits of Omega 3 supplementation.

FOR protecting against STROKE

In contrast to the BMJ study, a 2024 meta-analysis (analysis of the results of multiple trials) Omega-3 Blood Levels and Stroke Risk: A Pooled and Harmonized Analysis of 183 291 Participants From 29 Prospective Studies | Stroke (ahajournals.org) found:

Lower stroke risk

Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are linked with a lower risk of all and ischemic stroke.

Consistent benefits across different groups of people

The protective effects of Omega 3 against stroke were consistent across different population groups, including those with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases.

FOR reducing INFLAMMATION

Omega 3s have been shown to reduce inflammation, which in turn helps support brain, heart and joint health.

Cardiovascular ((Heart) Health

Studies show that Omega 3s, particularly EPA and DHA, help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, maintain healthy triglyceride levels, and support overall heart health.

Ref: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: Effects on Risk Factors, Molecular Pathways, and Clinical Events - ScienceDirect

Ref: Omega‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake and Blood Pressure: A Dose‐Response Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials | Journal of the American Heart Association (ahajournals.org)

Cognitive Function (Brain Health)

DHA is an important structural component of the brain therefore supports cognitive function in older people, as well as supporting memory and learning in children.

Ref: Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Functions: A Systematic Review - PMC (nih.gov)

Supporting Joint Health

Omega 3 helps support joint health by supporting the body's natural ability to reduce inflammation, which helps improve mobility and comfort.

Eye Health

DHA is a key component of the retina. Appropriate levels are thought to help slow the progression of wet age-related macular degeneration and may significantly improve conditions in patients with dry eye disease.

Ref: Mayo Clinic Q and A: Fish oil supplements and dry eyes - Mayo Clinic News Network

Conclusion - Carry on with Omega 3 supplementation

Omega 3 fish oil supplementation at up to 3 grams a day has been approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The EU Register of Health Claims for nutrients includes the following APPROVED claims for EPA and DHA. [Links are to the individual claims from the Register online.]

FOR ADULTS

DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function

EPA/DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision

DHA/EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure

DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels

DHA/EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels

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FOR BABIES through their mothers

DHA intake contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age.

DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal development of the eye of the foetus and breastfed infants.

DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants.

The benefits established over many years of research are clear.

Omega 3 at a level supported by numerous studies is one component in NutriShield, which contains 42 other nutrients that help support health and slow ageing. Healthy Living Anti-Ageing Vitamin Supplements | UK | NutriShield

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