title: Dispelling the myths about omega-3 fatty acids.
abstract: Although there is an enormous amount of information available on omega-3 fatty acids, it is sometimes misleading, contradictory, and unsupported by scientific fact. Consumers and medical professionals may be confused regarding the potential value of omega-3 fatty acid supplements, despite having either read or heard about fi sh oil consumption and/or omega-3 fatty acid benefits and risks. The availability of a prescription formulation of omega-3-acid ethyl esters (P-OM3) has provided important new information that helps to dispel the myths and alleviate concerns surrounding the use of omega-3 fatty acids in clinical practice. The safety and efficacy of P-OM3, but not dietary-supplement omega-3 fatty acids, are documented in placebo-controlled trials. In general, studies using Food and Drug Administration-approved dosages of P-OM3 have not substantiated various myths surrounding the negative effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, there are now evidence-based clinical guidelines for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: SUNY Health Science Center, Brooklyn College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA. richard.sadovsky@downstate.edu
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sadovsky
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: Ann P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Tighe
authors.forename: Richard S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Safeer
authors.forename: Charlene M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Stephen A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Brunton
mesh_terms: D019587:Dietary Supplements; D017277:Drug Approval; D004347:Drug Interactions; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3