Omega-3s May Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in People With No CVD History

A recent study suggests that while omega-3s may not affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in mature adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it does reduce the risk of CVD in adults with no history of hypertension or CVD.

Participants in the study included 4,203 mostly white, married, highly educated people with a median age of 74. They participated in one of four interventions:

1. 650 mg of EPA omega-3s and 350 mg of DHA omega-3s;

2. 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin;

3. a combination of omega-3s and lutein and zeaxanthin;

4. a placebo.

At the conclusion of the study, no statistically significant reductions in CVD risk were observed for any of the groups. However, when the researchers examined people with no history of hypertension, they found that there was a 34% reduction in risk of CVD and for those with no history of CVD there was a 19% reduction.

Researchers from the AREDS2 Research Group conducted the study. It was published online ahead of print on March 17, 2014 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Omega-3s have been linked to a number of health benefits, including improved joint mobility, helping with age related macular degeneration, better moods, and aiding your immune system.

Because omega-3 fatty-acids are not found naturally in the human body, it is especially important to make sure that they are a part of your daily diet. Oily, dark fish such as tuna and salmon are high in omega-3s.