Nutrition Facts with Dr. Greger
Should You Take Fish Oil?
Apr 10, 2025
Explore the intriguing debate around fish oil supplements and their effectiveness for heart health. Learn about recent clinical trials challenging traditional beliefs and the misconceptions surrounding omega-3 fatty acids. Discover the risks of PCB contamination in children's fish oil, raising concerns about safety. Algae-derived DHA emerges as a safer alternative, with breast milk praised as the best omega-3 source. This discussion re-evaluates long-held guidelines and promotes a critical look at the necessity of fish oil in our diets.
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Quick takeaways
- Recent studies reveal that fish oil supplements do not significantly reduce heart disease risks, challenging their previously assumed benefits.
- Concerns regarding contaminants like PCBs in fish oil products highlight potential health risks, advocating for safer plant-based omega-3 alternatives.
Deep dives
The Questionable Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements
Recent research has raised significant doubts about the effectiveness of fish oil supplements in preventing heart disease and improving overall health. Numerous studies, including a systematic review published in a leading medical journal, revealed no protective benefits from omega-3 fats concerning mortality, heart attacks, or strokes. Even for individuals with a history of heart attacks, the expected advantages of fish oil supplementation were not observed. Early studies, like the DART trial, initially indicated positive effects but were later contradicted by subsequent research, including the DART-2 trial, which showed an increased risk of cardiac death among fish oil users.
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