Episode 477: A Boatload of Data on Omega-3 Benefits

Jan 20, 2026

This week, the discussion dives into the impressive benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health. Research shows higher omega-3 blood levels are linked to a lower risk of atrial fibrillation and early-onset dementia. Various sources, including fish oil and algae-based supplements, are compared for optimal intake. Plus, discover the latest in AI detection for heart disease and the impact of statins on diabetes patients. There's even insight into potential risks of high-intensity exercise for older athletes!

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ANECDOTE

Early Calcium Scores In Young Patients

Dr. Joel Kahn describes seeing a 43‑year‑old man with a calcium score of 200 and elevated lipoprotein(a).
He also saw a 43‑year‑old woman with a calcium score of 160 concentrated in the LAD.

INSIGHT

NAD+ Boosters Convert To Vitamin B3

Expensive NAD+ boosters (NR, NMN) raise circulating NAD+ but are metabolized to nicotinic acid (vitamin B3).
This suggests cheaper niacin may achieve similar NAD+ increases and deserves more study.

INSIGHT

Fasting‑Mimicking Diet Helps Crohn’s Disease

The fasting‑mimicking Prolon diet (5 days/month for 3 months) improved symptoms and inflammation in mild–moderate Crohn's disease.
Short periodic dietary interventions can produce meaningful clinical and biochemical remission.

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This week, Dr. Kahn dives into four new research papers on omega-3 fatty acids and their impact on heart and brain health. The discussion highlights several eye-opening findings, including reduced atrial fibrillation risk and improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Dr. Kahn also explains how omega-3 intake supports brain health and why the "right" dose depends on the specific condition being addressed. Food sources, fish oil, algae-based supplements, and ahiflower are compared as practical ways to reach optimal omega-3 levels.

Additional topics in this episode include newly approved AI software for early detection of heart disease, the role of statins in patients with type 2 diabetes, the science—and hype—around NAD+ boosters, and emerging data on Prolon fasting for Crohn's disease. Dr. Kahn also reviews concerning research on heart rhythm risks associated with high-intensity endurance exercise in athletes over the age of 50.

As always, the episode blends cutting-edge research with real-world clinical insight to help clarify what actually matters for long-term heart health.

Thanks to The Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club — get a bottle for $1 at getfreshDRKAHN.com.

More About This Episode

This episode takes a deeper look at why omega-3 blood levels matter more than simply taking a supplement. Dr. Kahn reviews large population studies linking higher omega-3 levels to lower risks of atrial fibrillation, early-onset dementia, and major cardiovascular events, including in high-risk groups such as patients on hemodialysis. The key takeaway: testing omega-3 status and personalizing intake may be far more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Beyond omega-3s, Dr. Kahn explores several timely and surprising topics, including AI-enhanced CT scan technology designed to detect silent heart disease without additional radiation, real-world data on statin benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes, and why costly NAD+ supplements may ultimately function as a form of vitamin B3. The episode also examines new evidence on fasting-mimicking diets for Crohn's disease and potential heart rhythm risks in high-level endurance athletes over 50.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Kahn emphasizes practical, evidence-based steps patients can review with their physicians, including omega-3 blood testing, coronary calcium scoring, and tailoring lifestyle and supplement strategies to individual risk factors.