From the Guidelines
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have been shown to provide significant cardiovascular benefits, including reducing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death, as demonstrated in the REDUCE-IT trial 1. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids can be achieved through dietary sources, such as fatty fish, or through supplements. For general health maintenance, consuming 250-500mg combined EPA and DHA daily is recommended. Some key benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include:
- Reducing inflammation and improving heart health
- Lowering triglycerides and decreasing blood pressure
- Supporting brain health and reducing joint inflammation
- Possibly improving mood disorders It is essential to note that while omega-3 fatty acids have numerous health benefits, they may also increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, particularly at higher doses 1. When taking supplements, it is crucial to choose those that have been tested for contaminants and consider enteric-coated options to prevent fishy aftertaste. Prescription omega-3 fatty acid preparations, such as IPE, have been shown to be effective in reducing triglyceride levels and cardiovascular risk 1. In terms of specific recommendations, the American College of Cardiology suggests that patients with elevated triglycerides and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus with additional risk factors may benefit from prescription omega-3 fatty acid therapy 1. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids are a valuable addition to a balanced diet and can provide significant health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health.
From the Research
Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids include:
- Reducing the risk for sudden death caused by cardiac arrhythmias and all-cause mortality in patients with known coronary heart disease 2, 3, 4
- Providing cardioprotective effects, particularly in the setting of secondary prevention 2
- Benefiting multiple cardiometabolic risk factors including lipids, blood pressure, vascular reactivity, and cardiac function 2
- Having antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative actions 2, 3
- Treating hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis 3, 4
- Reducing elevated triglyceride levels and morning stiffness and the number of tender joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis 3, 4
Recommended Intake
The recommended intake of Omega-3 fatty acids includes:
- At least two oily fish meals per week for the general population, which equates to approximately 500 mg per day of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid 2
- 1 g daily supplements for patients with coronary heart disease 2, 3, 4
- Up to 4 g per day for hypertriglyceridaemic patients 2, 3, 4
- Prescription-grade, EPA-only formulations for high-risk patients 5
Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include: