For decades we have all been convinced that fish oils, specifically, omega-3 fats, are good for us – they are supposed to protect us from heart disease, cancer and cognitive decline. A new comprehensive study seems to indicate that as far as the heart disease and cancer protection is concerned, this may all be a myth.

According to a review in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) which looked at 89 previous studies, there is no evidence that fish oils protect us from heart disease, strokes or cancer.

A large trial in 2003 looked at over 3,000 men with stable angina. Those who were given high quantities of oily fish actually increased their risk of heart attack. The researchers, in fact, recorded a higher number of deaths among those men who consumed large amounts of oily fish. The scientists concluded that there is no evidence about the benefits of consuming fish oils for people with cardiovascular disease.

This trial was carried out by researchers at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. Team leader, Lee Hooper, said “UK guidelines encourage the general public to eat more oily fish, and higher amounts are advised after myocardial infarction. This advice should continue at present, but the evidence should be reviewed regularly. It is probably not appropriate to recommend a high intake of omega-3 fats for people who have angina but have not had a myocardial infarction.”

(Myocardial Infarction = Heart Attack)

Several experts have written to Medical News Today stressing that people should not change their consumption of omega-3 fats or oily fish. The evidence so far is that people with existing heart conditions may experience higher risks – but more studies are needed.

Basically, the position of the scientific community now, after this report, is that there is no clear evidence either way for anyone (with or without existing heart conditions).

Some have suggested that the variations in study results may have more to do with mercury levels in oily fish than their benefits (or not).

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today