For years the scientific evidence has been accumulating regarding the 
beneficial effects of fatty acids on the heart. To get to the core of the research done on fatty acids, a group of researchers from Tufts University conducted meta-analysis on 42 randomized clinical trials systematically selected from over 800 studies. The results were published in the August issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.1
The researchers selected studies that were well controlled and that examined the effects of omega 3 fish oils (specifically DHA & EPA) ingested in the form of food products and dietary supplements. The researchers found "fish consumption was associated with lower rates of all-cause mortality and adverse cardiac outcomes." While ingestion of fish oils both from food and from dietary supplements reduced rates of "all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (heart attack), cardiac and sudden death, and possibly stroke." The researchers also found the protective effects had an even greater correlation in preventing a recurrence of a second cardiac event. Thus not only does eating fish and taking fish oil supplements reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), but it also reduces the chances of having a second cardiac event in those who have already developed CVD.
Learn more about the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids here, and learn about our Omega-3 Fish Oil and Extra-Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil.
1. Wang, C., W. S. Harris, et al. (2006). "n-3 Fatty acids from fish or fish-oil supplements, but not alpha-linolenic acid, benefit cardiovascular disease outcomes in primary- and secondary-prevention studies: a systematic review." Am J Clin Nutr 84(1): 5-17.
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