03.01.11
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has released its third strategic plan (2011-2015), presenting a series of goals and objectives to help determine priorities for future research. Within the plan document, omega 3s received favorable mention three different times, according to the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED), Salt Lake City, UT. A growing body of evidence suggests fish oil/omega 3 products may help prevent complications of cardiovascular disease and other significant health problems.
Two independent lines of evidence—data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) regarding use of dietary supplements and industry sales data—suggest that results of CAM research influence consumers’ decisions regarding CAM use. The publication of “negative” results from clinical trials preceded declines in both the frequency of use and the sales of several non-vitamin/non-mineral dietary supplements. Similarly, publication of evidence pointing toward the potential value of omega 3 fatty acids/fish oil preceded increased use and sales.
Two independent lines of evidence—data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) regarding use of dietary supplements and industry sales data—suggest that results of CAM research influence consumers’ decisions regarding CAM use. The publication of “negative” results from clinical trials preceded declines in both the frequency of use and the sales of several non-vitamin/non-mineral dietary supplements. Similarly, publication of evidence pointing toward the potential value of omega 3 fatty acids/fish oil preceded increased use and sales.