June 17, 2010 – The effectiveness of omega-3 supplements for heart or diabetic patients at high cardiovascular risk is much lower than what a majority of studies suggest, according to Montreal researchers1.
McGill University researchers performed a meta-analysis combining the results of 29 studies conducted over the past 40 years. These studies included 35,144 patients with heart disease or diabetes who died or suffered from restenosis, that is, re-narrowing of the artery following a angioplasty.
Analysis revealed that taking omega-3 supplements reduced mortality and restenosis by 12% and 11%, respectively, but these results were not statistically significant. The researchers therefore conclude that omega-3 supplements may “slightly” reduce mortality and restenosis when used as a secondary preventive treatment by people with heart disease or diabetes.
There still seem to be some beneficial effects from using omega-3 supplements, says Nandini Dendukuri, study co-author and biostatistician at McGill University. “But we need more quality data to be sure. Two studies on large populations which have been the subject of a long follow-up are in progress and they could enlighten us ”, she maintains.
The opinion of cardiologist Martin Juneau
Dr Martin Juneau
The Dr Martin Juneau, director of prevention at the Montreal Heart Institute, says he has reservations about meta-analyzes. The selection criteria for these studies are specific to the researchers, he emphasizes. They may lead to the inclusion of studies in populations at low risk for a given event, which may influence the results.
This meta-analysis does not question his opinion on the benefits of omega-3s. “I prefer to look at studies on an individual basis and there are good ones that show that omega-3s are of interest in secondary prevention for high-risk heart patients,” explains the cardiologist.
“They are also used in primary prevention for people at high risk, especially if the intake of omega-3, ideally in the form of food rather than supplements, is combined with physical activity, good lifestyle habits. and a Mediterranean diet, ”says Dr.r Juneau.
Louis Gagné – PasseportSanté.net
1 Filion KB, El Khoury F et al. Omega-3 fatty acids in high risk cardiovascular patients: a meta-analysis of rendomized controlled trials, BMC Cardiovasc Disord, 2010 Jun 3; 10 (1): 24.
