Robert Oh1. 1. Department of Family Medicine, MCHJ-FP, Madigan Army Medical Center, Ft. Lewis, Washington 98431, USA. roboh98@earthlink.net
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids) has been studied for more than 30 years. However, recent concerns of mercury and environmental toxins have clouded fish oil's potential clinical benefits. This article aims to review practical, evidence-based applications of fish oil for the primary care physician. METHODS: PubMed search using key words 'fish oil,' 'docosahexaenoic,' and 'eicosapentaenoic' in title/abstract. Limited to human clinical trials. Articles were further scanned for relevant sources. RESULTS: For secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, 1 g of fish oil has shown to reduce overall and cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. Higher doses may be used for its potent triglyceride-lowering effects and for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to reduce nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation of infant formula has shown benefit in infant neural growth and development. With the potential health benefits of fish, women of childbearing age should be encouraged to eat 1 to 2 low-mercury fish meals per week. CONCLUSIONS: Fish oil has numerous practical applications for the primary care physician. Understanding the diverse clinical research of Omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil is important in determining its role in primary care practices.
BACKGROUND: Fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids) has been studied for more than 30 years. However, recent concerns of mercury and environmental toxins have clouded fish oil's potential clinical benefits. This article aims to review practical, evidence-based applications of fish oil for the primary care physician. METHODS: PubMed search using key words 'fish oil,' 'docosahexaenoic,' and 'eicosapentaenoic' in title/abstract. Limited to human clinical trials. Articles were further scanned for relevant sources. RESULTS: For secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, 1 g of fish oil has shown to reduce overall and cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. Higher doses may be used for its potent triglyceride-lowering effects and for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to reduce nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation of infant formula has shown benefit in infant neural growth and development. With the potential health benefits of fish, women of childbearing age should be encouraged to eat 1 to 2 low-mercury fish meals per week. CONCLUSIONS: Fish oil has numerous practical applications for the primary care physician. Understanding the diverse clinical research of Omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil is important in determining its role in primary care practices.
Authors: Gladys Castaño; Maria L Arruzazabala; Lilia Fernández; Rosa Mas; Daisy Carbajal; Vivian Molina; José Illnait; Sarahí Mendoza; Rafael Gámez; Melbis Mesa; Julio Fernández Journal: Curr Ther Res Clin Exp Date: 2006-05
Authors: Supna Sandhu; Ahmad Al-Sarraf; Catalin Taraboanta; Jiri Frohlich; Gordon A Francis Journal: Lipids Health Dis Date: 2011-09-11 Impact factor: 3.876
Authors: Saqib A Gowani; Sana Shoukat; Ather M Taqui; Hashim M Hanif; Wasiq F Rawasia; Zeeshan Qadri; Sajid H Dhakam Journal: BMC Cardiovasc Disord Date: 2009-01-27 Impact factor: 2.298