[Health effects of fish oil and fish oil supplements: consumption advice sustained].
Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis. Recently, the results ofa systematic review on the health effects of omega-3 fatty acids were published. The risk of cardiovascular death in subjects randomised to taking omega-3 fats was not significantly decreased: relative risk = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.73-1.03). In a 2004 Cochrane review, the same authors concluded that there was a significant beneficial effect on total mortality, combined cardiovascular endpoints and cancer. Inclusion of the recent 'Diet and reinfarction trial' (DART-2-trial) had a decisive negative effect on the results of the recent meta-analysis. Excluding this study resulted in a relative risk of cardiovascular death of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75-0.91). Since the DART-2 study had methodological shortcomings, it still appears that recommending sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids is justifiable, preferably by eating fish but ifnecessary by using fish oil supplements, especially for patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Iglesias del Sol
A
A
VU Medisch Centrum, afd Inwendige Geneeskunde, onderafd Vasculaire Geneeskunde, Amsterdam. a.iglesiasdelsol@vumc.nl
Smulders
Y M
YM
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils