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Cardiovascular prevention and omega-3s:
no proven benefits

Omega-3s have no proven cardiovascular prevention benefits. Changing to a "Mediterranean diet" is preferable.

Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids which are essential to the human diet. They are chiefly present in rapeseed, walnut and soy oil as well as in some oily fish from cold seas (anchovies, herring, salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc.).

Available trial results on omega-3 in the form of oil, fish or capsules are conflicting, and there are sometimes increased cardiovascular risks. Omega-3 capsules can cause adverse effects (nausea-vomiting, bleeding). There is a lack of long-term data and existing findings are vague.

Clinical trial data does not support the use of oily fish oil capsules in cardiovascular prevention. Taking a supplement of omega-3 fatty acids does not have the same effects as eating more fish. In fact, the consumption of fish probably results in lower meat consumption.

Changing to a Mediterranean-style diet (cereals, potatoes, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, fish, poultry, yoghurt and cheese eaten in moderate quantities, possibly a little wine with meals) is the best form of cardiovascular prevention, particularly after a myocardial infarction.

©Prescrire March 2006

Source: "Acides gras polyinsaturés oméga-3 en prévention cardiovasculaire secondaire : régime méditerranéen d'abord" Rev Prescrire 2006 ; 26 (270) : 194-199.

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