From the Guidelines
Omega-3 supplements, specifically prescription-grade omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to lower very high triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly in patients with established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus and additional risk factors, as demonstrated in the REDUCE-IT trial 1. The benefits of omega-3 supplements include:
- Reduced triglyceride levels
- Improved heart health
- Potential reduction in cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization
- Possible benefits in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, particularly those with severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides ≥500 mg/dL) Key considerations when using omega-3 supplements:
- Prescription-grade omega-3 fatty acids, such as IPE, have been shown to be effective in reducing triglyceride levels and cardiovascular risk
- Nonprescription fish oil products are not interchangeable with prescription omega-3 products and have not been demonstrated to have cardiovascular outcomes benefits
- Patients at high risk of atrial fibrillation should be evaluated for the potential net benefit of prescription omega-3 fatty acids
- Omega-3 supplements should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, particularly for patients with established cardiovascular disease or those taking blood thinners. The most effective dose of omega-3 supplements appears to be 4 grams per day of EPA, as demonstrated in the REDUCE-IT trial 1, which showed a 25% reduction in the primary composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, coronary revascularization, or unstable angina.
From the FDA Drug Label
OMEGA-3-ACID ETHYL ESTERS CAPSULES, USP are a prescription medicine used along with a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet to lower very high triglyceride (fat) levels in adults Omega-3-acid ethyl esters capsules are a combination of ethyl esters of omega 3 fatty acids, principally eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia (HTG).
The benefits of Omega-3 (n-3 fatty acids) supplements are:
- Lowering very high triglyceride (fat) levels in adults
- Reducing triglyceride (TG) levels in adult patients with severe (≥500 mg/dL) hypertriglyceridemia (HTG)
- Used as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride levels
From the Research
Benefits of Omega-3 Supplements
The benefits of Omega-3 (n-3 fatty acids) supplements include:
- Reducing triglycerides and improving cardiovascular health 3, 4, 5
- Decreasing inflammation and improving plaque composition and stability 3, 6
- Reducing the risk of sudden death caused by cardiac arrhythmias and all-cause mortality in patients with known coronary heart disease 5
- Lowering patient triglycerides and reducing cardiovascular disease events 4, 7
- Slightly reducing coronary heart disease mortality and events, and reducing serum triglycerides 7
Cardiovascular Health
Omega-3 supplements may:
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including coronary heart disease and stroke 3, 4, 7
- Lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of arrhythmia 5, 7
- Improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure 6
Inflammation Reduction
Omega-3 supplements have been shown to:
- Reduce inflammation in patients with heart failure 6
- Decrease levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) 6
Dosage and Recommendations
The recommended dosage of Omega-3 supplements varies, but:
- Approximately 1 g/day of eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid is recommended for cardio protection 5
- Higher dosages of Omega-3 fatty acids (2-4 g/day) may be required to reduce elevated triglyceride levels 5
- The American Heart Association recommends consumption of two servings of fish per week for persons with no history of coronary heart disease and at least one serving of fish daily for those with known coronary heart disease 5