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Omega-3: no reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer or dementia

Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to help prevent numerous diseases, but their effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia has not been clinically proven.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are thought to help prevent a number of diseases, including secondary cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia.

Field trials of omega-3 for cardiovascular prevention show contradictory results, with some trials even revealing a possible harmful effect on people with a cardiovascular risk.

20 studies (published between 1966 and 2005) seeking a link between the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and cancer reflect data from more than 700,000 people of varying geographic origins, monitored for 3 to 30 years depending on the study. According to these studies, it is highly unlikely that Omega-3 fatty acids have any effect in preventing cancer.

Furthermore, no trial with a satisfactory methodology has been devoted to the prevention of dementia in people aged over 60.

In practice, it is better not to rely upon omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer or dementia.

©Prescrire October 2006

Source: "Oméga-3 : pas moins de cancers ni de démences" Rev Prescrire 2006 ; 26 (276) : 697.

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