05.01.12
Nutraceutical: Omega 3
Indication: Cardiovascular disease
Source: Arch Intern Med, April 9, 2012; [Epub ahead of print]
Research: Although previous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials reported the efficacy of omega 3 fatty acid supplements in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the evidence remains inconclusive, according to researchers. Using a meta-analysis, they investigated the efficacy of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the secondary prevention of CVD. They searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library in April 2011. Then they independently reviewed and selected eligible randomized controlled trials. Of 1007 articles retrieved, 14 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (involving 20,485 patients with a history of CVD) were included in the final analyses.
Results: Supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids did not reduce the risk of overall cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure or transient ischemic attack and stroke. There was a small reduction in cardiovascular death, which disappeared when researchers excluded a study with major methodological problems. Researchers say the meta-analysis showed insufficient evidence of a secondary preventive effect of omega 3 fatty acid supplements against overall cardiovascular events among patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Indication: Cardiovascular disease
Source: Arch Intern Med, April 9, 2012; [Epub ahead of print]
Research: Although previous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials reported the efficacy of omega 3 fatty acid supplements in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the evidence remains inconclusive, according to researchers. Using a meta-analysis, they investigated the efficacy of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the secondary prevention of CVD. They searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library in April 2011. Then they independently reviewed and selected eligible randomized controlled trials. Of 1007 articles retrieved, 14 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (involving 20,485 patients with a history of CVD) were included in the final analyses.
Results: Supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids did not reduce the risk of overall cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure or transient ischemic attack and stroke. There was a small reduction in cardiovascular death, which disappeared when researchers excluded a study with major methodological problems. Researchers say the meta-analysis showed insufficient evidence of a secondary preventive effect of omega 3 fatty acid supplements against overall cardiovascular events among patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.