19 July 2018

IFLScience: Huge Review Concludes That This Common Dietary Supplement Is Essentially Useless

Now, a new massive review headed by the nonprofit group Cochrane has concluded that they don’t have any benefits to heart health. There are some caveats, but this study nevertheless pairs nicely with a host of pre-existing and brand-new research that suggests the best way to improve your heart health is to have a diet rich in oily fish instead of taking those massive capsules.

The respected research group conducted a review of 79 randomized trials of omega-3 of varying quality. In total, these trials involved 112,059 people from all backgrounds, with various sexes, health statuses, and geographical placements, from North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. [...]

The only benefit came from those taking alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), found in nuts, seeds, and plant oils. Those taking ALA – part of the family of fatty acids under the omega-3 umbrella – had only a very, very small benefit, however. [...]

It’s worth noting that, with very few exceptions, most supplements are already known to be pointless. If a clinical practitioner says you need supplements for a medical condition, then that’s different, but don’t waste your money buying tablets that scientific research constantly suggests are pointless.

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