Fish oils offer no heart benefit

In a report presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting this week, researchers announced that omega-3 fatty acids, prevalent in fatty fish, have no heart-health benefit. Among nearly 4,000 heart attack patients, no difference was seen between those who consumed omega-3 supplements and those who took placebo pills.

The conclusions are similar to those of a 2006 review of 89 randomized control trials and cohort studies, which showed no benefit of omega-3 intake on total mortality, cardiovascular events, or cancer.

Senges J. Omega-3 fatty acids on top of modern therapy after acute myocardial infarction (OMEGA). Report presented at: American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting; March 30, 2009: Orlando, FL.

Hooper L, Thompson RL, Harrison RA, et al. Risks and benefits of omega-3 fats for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: systematic review. BMJ. 2006;332:752-760.


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