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 .
Effects of a high-dose concentrate of n-3 fatty acids or corn oil introduced early after an acute myocardial infarction on serum triacylglycerol and HDL cholesterol.
BACKGROUND Results of epidemiologic studies and clinical trials indicate that moderate doses of n-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and may improve prognosis . OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the effect of a high-dose ethylester concentrate of n-3 fatty acids administered early after an acute myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) on subsequent cardiac events and serum lipids . DESIGN Three hundred patients with acute MI were r and omly assigned to a daily dose of either 4 g highly concentrated n-3 fatty acids or corn oil , administered in a double-blind manner over 12 - 24 mo . Median follow-up time was 1.5 y. Clinical follow-up , including the drawing of blood sample s , was performed after 6 wk of treatment and later at 0.5-year intervals . RESULTS Forty-two ( 28 % ) patients in the n-3 group and 36 ( 24 % ) in the corn oil group experienced at least one cardiac event ( cardiac death , resuscitation , recurrent MI , or unstable angina ) . No significant difference in prognosis was observed between groups for single or combined cardiac events . Total cholesterol concentrations decreased in both groups , with no significant intergroup differences . On average , the monthly increase in HDL cholesterol was 1.11 % in the n-3 group and 0.55 % in the corn oil group ( P = 0.0016 ) . Triacylglycerol concentrations decreased by 1.30%/mo in the n-3 group , whereas they increased by 0.35%/mo in the corn oil group ( P < 0.0001 ) . CONCLUSION No clinical benefit of a high-dose concentrate of n-3 fatty acids compared with corn oil was found despite a favorable effect on serum lipids
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 .