Does Supplementation with Omega-3 PUFAs Add to the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease?
Curr Cardiol Rep 2017; 19(6):47CC

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Omega-3 fatty acids are increasingly used for the protection of cardiovascular disease. The main but not the sole mechanism of action is the reduction of triglyceride levels. In this review, we summarize the effect of omega-3 supplements on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke from the relevant randomized controlled trials.

RECENT FINDINGS

Twenty-one randomized controlled trials assessed omega-3 supplementation on mortality and cardiovascular-related outcomes. From these studies, as well as from the relevant meta-analyses, we found that omega-3 supplements do not exert a consistent benefit for cardiovascular protection. There is uncertainty of a clear profit from omega-3 supplementation in cardiovascular disease.

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    • Authors+Show Affiliations

    Rizos EC
    Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, Leoforos St Niarchou, 45500, Ioannina, Greece. University of Cyprus Medical School, Palaios dromos Lefkosias Lemesou No.215/6, 2029 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus.
    Elisaf MS
    University of Ioannina Medical School, Leoforos St Niarchou, 45110, Ioannina, Greece. egepi@cc.uoi.gr.

    MeSH

    Cardiovascular DiseasesCause of DeathDietary SupplementsFatty Acids, Omega-3HumansMyocardial InfarctionRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicStrokeTriglycerides

    Pub Type(s)

    Journal Article
    Meta-Analysis
    Review

    Language

    eng

    PubMed ID

    28432658