Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the prevention of cardiovascular disease: do formulation, dosage & comparator matter?

Mo Med. 2013 Nov-Dec;110(6):495-8.

Abstract

Multiple trials over the past two decades testing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have shown substantial benefits for reducing major coronary heart disease (CHD) events, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) death, sudden cardiac death (SCD), and stroke. However, recent trials testing omega-3s have generally failed to confirm these benefits. While increased fish and fish oil intake among the general population, increased use of optimal medical therapy (including statins, aspirin, and modern antihypertensive medications) probably make it more challenging for fish oil supplementation to show additional benefits, there might be further explanations in the formulation, dosage, and comparator used in these recent omega-3 trials.

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Coronary Disease / prevention & control
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / chemistry
  • Fish Oils / administration & dosage*
  • Fish Oils / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Olive Oil
  • Placebos
  • Plant Oils
  • Stroke / prevention & control

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fish Oils
  • Olive Oil
  • Placebos
  • Plant Oils