According to research published by the American Heart Association, omega-3 supplementation from fish oil, daily for six months in patents after heart attacks improved heart function and reduced scarring in the undamaged muscle. Researchers also observed a significant reduction in biomarkers for inflammation and myocardial fibrosis. Fish oil supplements were also found to significantly reduce CV events (death, nonfatal heart attacks, nonfatal strokes) atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, thrombosis, triglycerides, and atherosclerotic plaque while improving endothelial function and slightly lowering blood pressure. (8,9). *
In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition research showed that the inclusion of fish oil supplementation caused greater improvements in muscle strength and functional capacity. Fish oil supplementation may also be an effective means of reducing muscle soreness.(10,11) *
In a 1-year, double-blind study patients with active Rheumatoid Arthritis being treated with NSAIDs and/or DMARDs researchers found that dietary supplementation with 2.6 gm of omega-3 fatty acids (including EPA and DHA) resulted in significant improvement in overall pain and other beneficial clinical effects and reduced NSAID or DMARD use.(23,24). *
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention and affects more than 6 million US children. In a study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology researchers found that omega 3 supplementation increases brain activation in prefrontal areas, improved task performance and improved symptoms of inattention in children with ADHD as well as typically developing children. (27). *
Omega 3- fatty acids are essential for normal vision development in infants. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that infant girls whose mothers received DHA supplements from their fourth month of pregnancy until delivery were less likely to have below-average visual acuity at 2 months of age than infant girls whose mothers did not receive the omega-3 supplements. In another study children evaluated at 2.5 years of age from mothers who supplemented with fish oil during their pregnancy had higher scores for eye and hand coordination and mental acuity. (15,16). *
In a study published in the journal Contact Lens & Anterior Eye, 456 computer users who complained of dry eyes and who used a computer for more than three hours a day for at least one year were studied. Half were given fish oil supplementation for three months and the other half a placebo containing olive oil. At the end of the three months the study revealed that the omega 3 supplements alleviated dry eye symptoms, reduced abnormal tear evaporation, and improved signs of a healthy eye surface. (17). *
Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids are required for proper growth, development, and function of brain tissue. Multiple studies have shown that low levels of EPA and DHA are associated with high levels of impulsive behavior, hostility, angry feelings and outbursts. Fish oil supplementation has resulted in reduced intensity of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction as well as significantly greater improvements compared with the placebo group in scores for depression, suicidality, and daily stresses. (18,19,20,21,22). *
Research by the Lewin Group shows that daily supplementation of 1,800 mg of omega-3 fatty acids (containing beneficial quantities of EPA and DHA) could reduce more 380,000 hospitalizations due to coronary heart disease (CHD) over a 5 year period and save an estimated $3.1 billion over that same five years in CHD-related hospital and physician expenses. According to research published in the The Lancet, A diet with a omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 4:1 or less may reduce total mortality by up to 70% over 2 years. (28,29). *
Obese women already on a restricted low-calorie diet were studied, those that were given the omega-3 fatty acids reduced their weight 20 percent more than the placebo group and reduced their BMI by up to 15 percent in only three weeks. A second study shows individuals supplementing with omega-3 were able to shed three and a half times more body fat, while increasing lean muscle mass. Lastly, research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that 6 weeks of fish oil supplementation significantly increased lean muscle mass, and significantly reduced fat mass in healthy adults. (12,13,14). *
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals with the highest levels of DHA (a major component of fish oil supplementation) had significantly (47%) lower risk for developing all-cause dementia then those with the lowest levels. A linear relation was also found between higher levels of EPA and DHA and the prevention of cognitive decline. (25). *
Crohn’s disease is a painful inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by remission and relapse. Fish oil has been suggested as a treatment for a variety of chronic inflammatory disorders due to its potential to reduced production of leukotriene B4 and thromboxane A2, which are elevated in the inflamed intestinal mucosa of patients with Crohn’s disease. Research shows that Crohn’s patients receiving fish oil supplementation were significantly less likely to have relapses, with 28% relapsing in the fish oil group and 69% relapsing in the placebo group.(26) *
Researchers from Toyama, Japan, focused on how DHA, part of the omega-3 chain, affected aggressive behavior in young adults. Results showed that DHA prevented the study’s 41 participants from becoming more frustrated, even when put under mental stress. Another study found that omega-3 supplementation “inhibits the adrenal activation elicited by a mental stress,” leaving cortisol levels “significantly blunted” when omega-3 levels are high. In fact, omega-3 supplementation can reduce the body’s stress-induced production of cortisol by 22 percent. (30,31) *