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Does Supplementation with Omega-3 PUFAs Add to the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease?

  • Lipid Abnormalities and Cardiovascular Prevention (G De Backer, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Omega-3 fatty acids are increasingly used for the protection of cardiovascular disease. The main but not the sole mechanism of action is the reduction of triglyceride levels. In this review, we summarize the effect of omega-3 supplements on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke from the relevant randomized controlled trials.

Recent Findings

Twenty-one randomized controlled trials assessed omega-3 supplementation on mortality and cardiovascular-related outcomes. From these studies, as well as from the relevant meta-analyses, we found that omega-3 supplements do not exert a consistent benefit for cardiovascular protection.

Summary

There is uncertainty of a clear profit from omega-3 supplementation in cardiovascular disease.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, Leoforos St Niarchou, 45500, Ioannina, Greece

    Evangelos C. Rizos

  2. University of Cyprus Medical School, Palaios dromos Lefkosias Lemesou No.215/6, 2029 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus

    Evangelos C. Rizos

  3. University of Ioannina Medical School, Leoforos St Niarchou, 45110, Ioannina, Greece

    Moses S. Elisaf

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  1. Evangelos C. Rizos
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Correspondence to Moses S. Elisaf.

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Conflict of Interest

Both authors comply with ethical standards and are in line with best practices and codes of conduct of relevant professional bodies and/or national and international regulatory bodies. This study was not funded. The authors have received no payment in preparation of this manuscript. Evangelos C. Rizos and Moses S. Elisaf have given talks, attended conferences, and participated in trials and advisory boards sponsored by various pharmaceutical companies (Novartis, Sanofi, NovoNordisk, Pfizer, AstraZeneca/BMS, Eli Lilly, MSD/Vianex, Boehringer Ing, Amgen, GSK, Plus Pharmaceuticals, WinMedica, Elpen etc.).

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Lipid Abnormalities and Cardiovascular Prevention

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Rizos, E.C., Elisaf, M.S. Does Supplementation with Omega-3 PUFAs Add to the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease?. Curr Cardiol Rep 19, 47 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-017-0856-8

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