5 Things To Know About Omega-3 for Heart Disease


- Experts agree that fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids should be included in a heart-healthy diet. Much research has been done on fish and heart disease, and the results provide strong, though not conclusive evidence that people who eat fish at least once a week are less likely to die of heart disease than those who rarely or never eat fish.
- Omega-3s in supplement form have not been shown to protect against heart disease. While there has been a substantial amount of research on omega-3 supplements and heart disease, the findings of individual studies have been inconsistent. In 2012, two combined analyses of the results of these studies did not find convincing evidence that omega-3s protect against heart disease.
- Omega-3 supplements may interact with drugs that affect blood clotting. Omega-3 supplements may extend the time it takes for a cut to stop bleeding. People who take drugs such as anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should discuss the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements with a health care provider.
- Fish liver oils (which are not the same as fish oils) contain vitamins A and D as well as omega-3 fatty acids; these vitamins can be toxic in high doses. Fish liver oils contain vitamins A and D as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Both of these vitamins can be toxic in large doses. The amounts of vitamins in fish liver oil supplements vary from one product to another.
- Talk to your health care provider before using omega-3 supplements. If you are pregnant or nursing a child, if you take medicine that affects blood clotting, if you are allergic to fish or shellfish, or if you are considering giving a child an omega-3 supplement, it is especially important to consult your (or your child’s) health care provider.
Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/omega3
Source Agency: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Captured Date: 2015-09-24 15:46:08.0
Source URL: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/omega3
Source Agency: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Captured Date: 2015-09-24 15:46:08.0