A few days ago we looked at the results of the VITAL trial on the effect of Vitamin D on cancers and cancer deaths. The study concluded that Vitamin D had no real value as a preventative measure but that it showed promise as a component of cancer therapy in that reduced cancer deaths were observed among those given 2,000IU daily.
The same study also looked at how effective fish oil was as a preventive measure against heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death from any cause. The trial included nearly 26,000 healthy men and women who were given 1g of fish oil, 2,000IU of Vitamin D, both or a placebo for roughly 5 years. Earlier research, mostly observational studies, suggested that eating fish may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The study found no statistically significant reduction in a composite of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths among those getting the omega-3 fatty acid from the fish oil. But wait! There's more.
When heart attacks, strokes and deaths from cardiovascular events were examined separately there was no effect on strokes or deaths. But a 28% reduction in heart attacks was observed. "Our findings add to the biological plausibility that omega-3s have benefits for heart health," said study co-author Dr. JoAnn Manson in an interview in Nutrition Action newsletter.
Among those who began the trial eating little or no fish, heart attack risk was reduced by 40% compared to those taking a placebo. For those who began the trial consuming 2 or more servings of fish per week, the supplementation had a negligible benefit.
Based on VITAL results, the bottom line on omega-3 supplements seems to be that they have little or no impact as a preventive measure for strokes or for reducing death from cardiovascular events. If you eat little or no fish, the supplements may be valuable in lowering your risk of heart attack. Better yet, just include 2 servings of fatty fish in your diet and don't worry about it.
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