Study: Fish oil supplements not as healthy as marketed

Many people take fish oil capsules because they contain Omega-tree fatty acids meant to increase wellness and prevent plaque from forming in the arteries.

Gillian Neff and Rose Shannon

Aug 27, 2023, 1:19 PM

Updated 407 days ago

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A new study finds that fish oil supplements may not be as good for one's health as marketed.
Many people take fish oil capsules because they contain Omega-tree fatty acids meant to increase wellness and prevent plaque from forming in the arteries.
They can also improve inflammation along with brain and heart health.
However, a new study in Jama Cardiology says that based on patient data from two clinical trials, over-the-counter fish oil supplements do not actually improve cardiovascular health.
"The off the shelf fish oils are not regulated and they may not contain the dosages people might need," says Dr. Steven Kunkes, a cardiac specialist at Yale New Haven Health.
Dr. Kunkes suggests people speak to their doctors to see if they would benefit from prescription supplements.
"Those pharmacologic grade fish oils have been very well shown to treat triglycerides and help with lipids altogether," says Dr. Kunkes.
Researchers behind the study say people can benefit from fish oils by eating salmon, mackerel and trout, along with following the Mediterranean diet.