Combining 21 trials evaluating lipid outcomes , fish oil consumption result ed in a summary net change in triglycerides of -27 ( 95 % CI -33 , -20)mg/dL , in HDL cholesterol of + 1.6 ( 95 % CI + 0.8 , + 2.3)mg/dL , and in LDL cholesterol of + 6 ( 95 % CI + 3 , + 8)mg/dL. There was no effect of fish oil on total cholesterol .
Across studies , higher fish oil dose and higher baseline levels were associated with greater reductions in serum triglycerides .
The evidence supports a dose-dependent beneficial effect of fish oil on serum triglycerides , particularly among people with more elevated levels .
Fish oil consumption also modestly improves HDL cholesterol , increases LDL cholesterol levels , but does not appear to adversely affect glucose homeostasis .
The evidence regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on hs-CRP is inconclusive , as are data on ALA
Greater fish oil consumption has been associated with reduced CVD risk , although the mechanisms are unclear .
Plant- source oil omega-3 fatty acids ( ALA ) have also been studied regarding their cardiovascular effect .
Safety and Efficacy of Omacor in Severe Hypertriglyceridemia
Background Severe hypertriglyceridemia is a risk factor for acute pancreatitis , therefore decreasing serum triglyceride concentrations is an important component of risk management . Omega-3 fatty acids are well known hypotriglyceridemic agents , but their efficacy in severe forms of the disorder is not well documented . Our objective was to examine the effects of Omacor , a drug composed of 85 % omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters . Methods Forty-two patients with triglyceride concentrations between 5.65 and 22.60 mmol/l ( 500 and 2000 mg/dl ) were studied in a prospect i ve , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial of Omacor ( 4 g/day for 4 months ) . Results Compared with baseline values , Omacor significantly reduced mean triglyceride concentrations by 45 % ( P < 0.00001 ) , cholesterol by 15 % ( P < 0.001 ) , very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 32 % ( P < 0.0001 ) and cholesterol : High density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol ratio by 20 % ( P = 0.0013 ) , and increased HDL cholesterol by 13 % ( P = 0.014 ) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 31 % ( P = 0.0014 ) . The placebo had no effect on these parameters . Omacor was well tolerated and no patient discontinued medication because of side effects . Conclusions Four capsules of Omacor per day markedly decreased  triglyceride concentrations in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia . The availability of a potent and safe omega-3 fatty acid preparation for this patient population should diminish the risk for acute pancreatitis , and may also reduce the long-term risk for cardiovascular disease
Combining 21 trials evaluating lipid outcomes , fish oil consumption result ed in a summary net change in triglycerides of -27 ( 95 % CI -33 , -20)mg/dL , in HDL cholesterol of + 1.6 ( 95 % CI + 0.8 , + 2.3)mg/dL , and in LDL cholesterol of + 6 ( 95 % CI + 3 , + 8)mg/dL. There was no effect of fish oil on total cholesterol .
Across studies , higher fish oil dose and higher baseline levels were associated with greater reductions in serum triglycerides .
The evidence supports a dose-dependent beneficial effect of fish oil on serum triglycerides , particularly among people with more elevated levels .
Fish oil consumption also modestly improves HDL cholesterol , increases LDL cholesterol levels , but does not appear to adversely affect glucose homeostasis .
The evidence regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on hs-CRP is inconclusive , as are data on ALA
Greater fish oil consumption has been associated with reduced CVD risk , although the mechanisms are unclear .
Plant- source oil omega-3 fatty acids ( ALA ) have also been studied regarding their cardiovascular effect .