Should you be taking Omega-3 supplement?

Omega-3 is a good fat for the heart, but the human body cannot synthesize it but must be supplemented through food.

Omega-3 is abundant in fish, especially oily fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, anchovies, recommended to eat these fish at least 400 grams per week. Omega-3 functional foods are of great interest to many people because of their convenience and ease of use, especially those afraid to cook or eat fish.

However, to date, large studies have not shown the effectiveness of Omega-3 supplements in reducing cardiovascular events and stroke in normal healthy people and those at high risk, high muscle mass (diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.). In addition, some studies have reported that high doses (>4 g/day) may increase the risk of arrhythmias due to atrial fibrillation and bleeding.

The problem is probably that dietary supplements only help to add "good" fats but do not provide protein, so do not change the diet from unhealthy foods like beef to fish. Changing your diet to a healthy one is crucial to reducing your cardiovascular risk, something no pill alone can do!

Therefore, at present, when patients ask about Omega-3s, it is probably better to advise them to eat at least 400g of oily fish per week. The administration may be considered for individuals who are inedible/allergic to fish, but the portion size must be adjusted and the risk considered for the individual patient. For vegetarians, consider giving them an Omega-3 dietary supplement from seaweed (guaranteed "vegetarian").

The article shared by Dr Phung Ngoc Minh Tan

Cardiology at CarePlus International Clinic