Fish Oil

[Annalisa BaileyParticipant]

Are there any benefits to taking Fish Oil supplements? Do they metabolize the same as if I were to eat fish?

[LaurenParticipant]

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids from fish has been shown to be beneficial for decreasing all-cause mortality, cardiac and sudden death, 1 incidences of cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as stroke.2 There is strong evidence to support benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on secondary-prevention, meaning after CVD has been diagnosed. Those at risk for a cardiac event are also encouraged to increase their consumption of omega-3 fatty acids; however less randomized controlled trials have been done to support this recommendation. Currently, Americans are consuming far below the recommended daily allowance for omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids from the diet may be the preferred method, but for those who find it hard to consume fish two times per week, supplements may provide benefits for reducing cardiac events and atherosclerosis.2 Mercury levels may be of concern in some areas, so be sure to consume a variety of fish, especially fatty fish. 2 At present, there is no concrete evidence that dietary omega-3s are better than supplemental omega-3s.3

References
1. Wang C et al. n-3 fatty acids from fish or fish-oil supplements, but not a-linolenic acid, benefit cardiovascular disease outcomes in primary- and secondary-prevention studies: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 84: 1; 5-17 (2006).
2. Kris-Etherton P, Harris W, Appel L. AHA scientific statement: fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation. 106: 2747-2757 (2002).
3. Hooper L et al. Risks and benefits of omega 3 fats for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: systematic review. BMJ. doi:10.1136/bmj.38755.366331.2F (published 24 March 2006)

[Annalisa BaileyParticipant]

Thank you for your response on the subject of fish oil supplementation. I have done some of my own research on supplementation of fish oil and have also found no concrete evidence that supplementation of fish oil is beneficial in increasing omega 3 fatty acids in the body. In a randomized, double blind, controlled, placebo study done by Veno et al, supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids were studied. After supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids there was no measured health benefit or increase in plasma levels of omega 3 fatty acids.(1) I have found no research supporting the health benefit of fish oil supplementation.

1. Veno SK, Nielsen MR, Lundbye-Christensen S, Schmidt EB, Handberg A. The Effect of Low-Dose Marine n-3 Fatty Acids on Plasma Levels of sCD36 in Overweight Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Mar Drugs. 2013 Sep; 11(9): 3324–3334.

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