If you're confused by the latest findings involving omega-3s and heart health, you're not alone. Although past research has shown the benefits that omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) may have for heart health, one new study suggests otherwise.

The study, conducted in Sweden, involved over 4,800 men and women between ages 60 and 80 who had experienced a past heart attack¹. Participants were divided into four groups, with each one consuming a different type of margarine spread - fortified with either 400 mg of DHA and EPA (the omega-3 EFAs found in fish oil), 2 g of ALA (alpha linolenic acid, or plant-based omega-3s), all three fatty acids, or placebo.

After 40 months, researchers reported that, regardless of the type of spread consumed, nearly 14 percent of the participants had experienced another cardiac event.  The study's author concluded that the fortified margarine products did not provide any protective benefits to heart health.

On the other hand, a recent meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled studies analyzed the effect of DHA and EPA on over 39,000 patients with cardiovascular disease². Compared to individuals taking placebo, those taking EPA and DHA (an average dose of 1,800 mg daily) had significant reductions in the risk of cardiovascular death, sudden cardiac death, all-cause mortality and nonfatal cardiovascular events.

So what should you believe? Although these studies seem to contradict one another, the real truth lies in the details. In the first study, participants who had already suffered a cardiovascular event received only 376 mg of DHA and EPA, while the second study involved an average dosage of 1,800 mg per day. The second study suggests that a higher daily dosage may hold the key to cardiovascular protection.

What exactly can omega-3s do for your heart? EPA and DHA may help protect the cardiovascular system in a variety of ways, by decreasing triglycerides, decreasing small-dense LDL particles (which are the most dangerous of the "bad" LDL particles), decreasing platelet aggregation, improving endothelium-dependent dilation of arteries and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

I believe the findings of the studies mentioned above confirm my recommendation of taking between 1,200 to 2,400 mg of EPA and DHA (from fish or krill oil) daily with food. Another thing to consider is that EPA and DHA are unstable. This is why I recommend taking your EFA softgels together with powerful antioxidants -- particularly coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid -- which can protect the EPA and DHA inside your body and ensure you're getting the most out of these beneficial fatty acids.

As always, to your good health,
David N. Ilfeld, M.D.


1. Geleijnse JM, Giltay EJ, Schouten EG, de Goede J, Oude Griep LM, Teitsma-Jansen AM, Katan MB, Kromhout D; Alpha Omega Trial Group. Effect of low doses of n-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular diseases in 4,837 post-myocardial infarction patients: design and baseline characteristics of the Alpha Omega Trial. Am Heart J. 2010 Apr;159(4):539-546.

2. Kromhout D, Gitay EJ, Geleijnse JM, et al. N-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular events after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med 2010; DOI:10.1056.NEJM0a.1003603.