Consuming seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids may protect against cardiovascular disease, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The study suggested new evidence that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk for heart disease and death in people over age 65. Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, associate professor at Harvard, and his colleagues found that those with the highest omega-3 blood levels were less likely to die in general, and specifically less likely to die of coronary heart disease or arrhythmia than those with low levels of omega-3s.
According to the study’s lead author, people benefit most from consuming an average of 400 milligrams of omega-3s per day. Associating the intake of omega-3s with the prevention of certain causes of death is a new and important finding. Some wonder whether taking a supplement is just as beneficial as eating the fish itself. According to Dr. Mozzaffarian, certain recent studies show benefits of supplements, while others do not. He recommended supplements for those who do not eat fish, while also stating that there is no harm in taking supplements for those who do eat fish.
You can read the New York Times blog here
The Cureus Blog 