Does Supplementation with Omega-3 PUFAs Add to the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease?

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#cardiovascular-diseases #cause-of-death #dietary-supplements #fatty-acids-omega-3 #humans

Does Supplementation with Omega-3 PUFAs Add to the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease?

Rizos et al., 2017 | Curr Cardiol Rep | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rizos Evangelos C, Elisaf Moses S. Does Supplementation with Omega-3 PUFAs Add to the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease?. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2017-Jun;19(6):47. doi:10.1007/s11886-017-0856-8

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.

Key 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.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cause of Death
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Stroke
  • Triglycerides

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09