Fish oil not helpful in preventing heart events

New research was just published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers from Italy randomized over >12,000 individuals at high risk for heart related events to receive either 1 gram capsule of fish oil or placebo. Patients at high risk included those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity or other conditions. Most already were taking cholesterol-lowering statins, aspirin and other medicines to lower their chances of heart problems. The researchers found no difference in heart related events. 

Eating fish 1-2 times per week as part of a balanced Mediterranean Diet has been shown to reduce heart events. 

The American Heart Association recommends supplemental fish oil only for those with significantly elevated triglycerides.