19 Mar No Cardiovascular Benefit Found With Omega 3 Fatty Acids or Macular Xanthophylls Supplementation
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Denise Bonds, MD, MPH
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study?
Dr.Bonds: We found no cardiovascular benefit to supplementation of the diet with either omega-3 fatty acids or with the macular xanthophyll’s lutein and zeaxanthin.
MedicalResearch.com: Were any of the findings unexpected?
Dr.Bonds: Previous studies that have examined the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular disease have been mixed with some showing a benefit and others showing no effect. There have been very few studies that have examined the effect of the macular xanthophylls on cardiovascular disease.
MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr.Bonds: There was no benefit and no adverse events from taking a supplement of omega 3 fatty acids or macular xanthophylls. Patients should continue to eat a heart healthy diet that includes fish.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr.Bonds: NIH is sponsoring a large clinical trial called VITAL that is also looking at the impact of omega-3 fatty acids in a somewhat different population. The result of that trial will provide us with additional information on the potential impact of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular disease.
Citation:
Effect of Long-Chain ω-3 Fatty Acids and Lutein + Zeaxanthin Supplements on Cardiovascular Outcomes
Results of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Randomized Clinical Trial
Last Updated on April 24, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD