From the Guidelines
Prescription omega-3 fatty acid products, such as IPE, are the recommended essential fatty acid treatments for reducing triglyceride levels and ASCVD risk, due to their FDA-approved indication, verified efficacy, and consistent content and purity, as opposed to nonprescription fish oil supplements 1. When considering essential fatty acid treatments, it is crucial to distinguish between prescription omega-3 products and nonprescription fish oil supplements. The former has undergone rigorous testing, is FDA-approved for treating elevated triglycerides, and has demonstrated cardiovascular outcomes benefits, whereas the latter lacks FDA approval for this indication, has variable content and quality, and may contain impurities or contribute to increased caloric intake 1. Key characteristics of prescription omega-3 fatty acid products include:
- FDA-approved indication for treating elevated triglycerides
- Verified efficacy in reducing triglyceride levels and ASCVD risk
- Consistent content and purity
- Generally well-tolerated, with common adverse effects including eructation, dyspepsia, and taste perversion In contrast, nonprescription fish oil supplements:
- Lack FDA approval for treating elevated triglycerides
- Have variable content and quality
- May contain impurities, such as saturated fat, oxidized fatty acids, and contaminants
- Can contribute to increased caloric intake and have a larger pill burden
- Are not recommended for ASCVD risk reduction due to the lack of demonstrated cardiovascular outcomes benefits 1. The most effective prescription omega-3 fatty acid products, such as IPE, contain ethyl ester forms of EPA and are indicated for reducing the risk of MI, stroke, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adult patients with elevated triglyceride levels and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus with additional risk factors 1.
From the Research
Essential Fatty Acid Treatments
Essential fatty acid treatments typically involve the use of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have numerous health benefits. Some of the key benefits of omega-3 fatty acid treatments include:
- Reducing the risk of sudden death caused by cardiac arrhythmias and all-cause mortality in patients with known coronary heart disease 2
- Treating hyperlipidemia and hypertension 2
- Reducing elevated triglyceride levels 2
- Preventing clinical cardiovascular disease 3
- Reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular function 4, 5
Types of Essential Fatty Acids
There are several types of essential fatty acids, including:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 6, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 6, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Linoleic acid (LA) 4
- α-linolenic acid (ALA) 4
Recommended Intake
The recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids varies depending on the individual's health status and needs. Some general recommendations include: