Although there have been studies showing that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids can help those who have suffered a heart attack and heart failure, a new study found only a small effect of these supplements to prevent cardiovascular problems for those at high risk.
The Italian researchers reported that supplements of omega-3 fatty acids can not reduce the risk of death from heart disease or a heart attack or stroke in people who have a high risk.
Chairman of the study, Dr. Gianni Tognoni of Istituto Ricerche Farmacologiche in Milan said, contrary to expectations, the consumption of supplements of omega-3 fatty acids do not provide specific benefits to the population that is at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
He said, omega-3 fatty acids may not help prevent abnormal heart rhythms, followed by a heart attack and heart failure. Therefore, this supplement is not something that is useful for prevention.
"During the life style is not changed, the drug will not help much," said Tognoni.
In reducing risk, he added, people should avoid smoking, choosing healthy foods, and exercise regularly.
Members of the study Dr. Maria Carla Roncaglioni, Head of Research Laboratory Practice General in Ricerche Istituto Mario Negri Farmacologiche advised, those at high risk should not rely on the use of supplements of omega-3 fatty acids in a long time, but start changing your lifestyle to be more healthy, especially the habit eat.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved 12,000 people with high risk of heart disease. They were randomly asked anyone take supplements or placebo.
Having monitored for five years, more than 1,400 people die from heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke. Among those taking supplements, 11.7 percent of them experiencing these problems. As for the 11.9 percent of cases occurred in the placebo group.