The Debate on Fish Oil

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

Fish oil continues to be a hot health topic, and it’s front page news yet again. A new study suggests that fish oil supplements provide no ”value-add” to your health. 

This study, called a meta-analysis, accumulated the information from multiple single studies, and compared the results of all of the studies.  The analysis documented that, overall,  people taking fish oil supplements did not live longer, nor have fewer illnesses, compared to individuals who did not take fish oil supplements. 

When this study came out, many cardiologists and health experts were quick to point out that fish oil in the form of FOODS – fish (like salmon) and walnuts – both rich sources of dietary omega-3-fats were an important part of a healthy diet. The addition of supplemental pills/capsules of fish oil does not seem to provide the same kind of health plus as the dietary sources, as a general guideline. 

Does that mean that fish oil provides no health benefits? No! It is important to read beneath the headlines for a little more information. If you currently take fish oil, be sure to include dietary sources of the heart healthy omega-3-fats. There is no harm in taking the supplements, but they do not replace a healthy diet. 

Because population data do not always apply to what an individual should do, it’s important to have a talk with your doctor about whether fish oil supplements should be part of your heart-healthy tool box.