Omega-3 Taken Daily... "No Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Effect"

US Medical Group "Lifestyle Changes Should Be Prioritized"
Results Also Show Benefits to Lung Function Over Cardiovascular Health

A study has found that omega-3, a health functional food known to help reduce blood triglycerides, does not provide substantial benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease.

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On the 20th (local time), a joint committee consisting of six medical organizations including the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) released a report titled "Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee Report for the Management of Chronic Coronary Artery Disease Patients" through the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).

In the revised guidelines, updated for the first time in 11 years since 2012, omega-3 was found to have little effect in reducing the incidence and mortality risk of coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is a condition caused by blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, leading to insufficient blood flow; angina and myocardial infarction are representative examples.

The committee stated in the report, "Fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins lack sufficient benefits in lowering cardiovascular disease risk," and "are not recommended for patients with chronic coronary artery disease." Instead, the committee recommended prioritizing lifestyle changes such as consuming healthy foods and exercising.

However, among omega-3 types, icosapent ethyl (EPA) was reported to reduce deaths from coronary artery disease or cardiovascular disease by about 20%. Nevertheless, the committee explained that even this evidence is unclear due to poor clinical study design.

Meanwhile, on the same day (the 20th), a study was released showing that omega-3 helps lung function more than cardiovascular health.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with a slower decline in lung function. Additionally, among omega-3 fatty acids, higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can be obtained from fish oil or seaweed, were linked to about a 7% lower risk of lung disease.

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