The FDA has once again confirmed the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, this time as a preventative to coronary heart disease. A similar claim regarding foods containing EPA and DHA was proposed by the FDA back in 2000.

Common foods that contain eiscosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids include oily fish such as salmon, lake trout, tuna and herring.

Since coronary heart disease is responsible for 500,000 deaths a year in the United States, scientists hope this omega-3 finding will motivate consumers to make a concerted effort to look for these heart-healthy compounds when making their future food choices.

The FDA announced that although the research isn't conclusive, they plan to support the claim that consuming omega-3 fatty acids plays a prominent part in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.

In addition to preventing coronary heart disease, other studies have shown the benefits of these fats in the prevention of heart arrhythmia.

Study on Fish Oil Consumption and Arrhythmia

• 65 people with arrhythmia were randomly divided into two groups
• One group was given three grams of fish oil a day, while the other group was given a placebo
• The study lasted six months
• Blood tests were administered during the study and six months after the participants stopped taking the fish oil supplements
  

The Results of the Study Were Significant:

• Participants in the fish oil group had 46.9 percent, 71.8 percent and 100 percent fewer episodes of the four kinds of arrhythmia evaluated in the study
• Six months after the participants stopped taking the fish oil, any signs of improvements reversed back to where they were at the onset of the study
• The participants taking placebos showed no notable changes in arrhythmia throughout the study

Science Blog September 8, 2004

NutraIngredients.com September 10, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

The evidence continues to mount in favor of fish oil. Now, the FDA, for the second time has endorsed its benefits for fighting heart disease. I don’t really recommend eating fish, ESPECIALLY farmed fish as they are even worse. Nearly all the fish are somewhat contaminated. The typical rule of thumb is the larger the fish the more mercury and PCBs they will have. Small fish like sardines however are typically mercury and PCB fee. Ideally we should be consuming healthy contaminate free fish and receiving our vitamin D from the sun. But let’s face it folks, this is the 21st century and nearly all the fish are contaminated and most of us don’t get outdoors enough even if we live in sunny climates. Additionally fall has sprung and there just simply isn’t enough sunshine for most of us in the late fall, winter and early spring to generate enough vitamin D. So now is a great time to switch to a high quality brand of fish oil. I have tested a number of them and Carlson's brand fish oil and cod liver oil is one of the best as has undetectable levels of mercury and PCBs. If you are unable to find it in your local health food store, you can purchase on this site. Some people really enjoy fish and if you are one of them and want mercury free salmon then you can try the Alaskan wild red salmon from Vital Choice that tested to be free of mercury. It is a bit pricey as it needs to be shipped overnight from Alaska but it really is top notch. Related Articles: Cardiovascular Benefits of Omega-3 Fats Omega-3 is Essential to the Human Body Importance of Omega Three Fats in Health and Disease Aspirin Not Recommended for Heart Disease Anymore Protect Yourself From Heart Disease With Simple Lifestyle Changes