Are fish oil and vitamin D the most overhyped supplements of 2018?

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Many experts believe that omega-3 fatty acids (found in seafood, some nuts, and seeds) may benefit the heart. Even the AHA (American Heart Association) currently recommends an intake of at least 2 servings of fish (high in omega-3 fatty acids) every week for optimal cardiovascular health. It is no surprise that almost 19 million Americans currently take fish oil supplements.

 

Two new studies, however, were presented at Scientific Sessions held by the American Heart Institute (AHA) in Chicago, IL and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The randomized, placebo-controlled trials led by Dr. JoAnn E. Manson, the chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA examined the effect of a daily intake of vitamin D and omega-3-containing fish oils on the prevention of heart disease and cancer.

 

The studies were huge involving more than 26,000 healthy adult participants. The first group of participants took a daily dosage of both – 2,000 international units of vitamin D and 1 gram of fish oil. The second group received the same 2,000 international units of vitamin D plus a placebo, while a 3rd group took 1 gram of fish oil with a placebo. The final group received two placebos. All of the participants were then followed for 5 years. The authors found no evidence that supplementation with either omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D resulted in a lower incidence of invasive cancer or cardiovascular events when compared to placebo.

 

The team did find a link between fish oil and lower risk of heart attacks. This effect was particularly significant among people who did not eat fish regularly, as well as African-Americans.

Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acid) supplements reduced the risk of a heart attack by approximately 28 percent. Among African-Americans, fish oil supplementation lowered this risk by 77 percent, compared with participants who took only a placebo.

 

Doctors warn to interpret the trials’ results regarding fish oil and vitamin D supplementation and heart attack risk with caution. It’s important to note that this study only looked at data for 5 years and longer term studies, for example looking at the effects at 50 years of usage, still need to be performed. It is possible that there may be some benefit over the longer term, not found at the 5 year mark.



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