Fish Oil Pills Don't Help Heart Health, Study Says

There's something fishy about this story!

The study is seriously flawed. You should eb ashamed of yourself for repeating this sensationalist nonsense.

We've been told for years we need supplements, now you are saying we are wasting our time and money. Since food is leeched of vitamins and minerals due to hybrids and petro fertilizer, there simply is no hope, is there?

There is a reason why most highly respected medical authorities (including Harvard Medical School, the American Heart Association, and the Mayo Clinic, to cite just three) have come around to unequivocally endorsing omega-3 supplements: the weight of more than a half century and hundreds of studies' worth of scientific investigation. The "study" Ms. Kantrowitz references - actually a survey of just 20 studies over 23 years - was another example of an uncritical media rush to judgment without the full facts over a development that is far from the final and authoritative word on the subject. Science is by its nature a process of aggregation, coming at problems and issues repeatedly from different angles and building a consensus over many years. Some results can prove inconsistent, but what's important is what the long-term preponderance of evidence shows. Even leaving that aside, it must be noted that the studies covered by the survey had numerous flaws – including insufficient duration, administered less than the standard recommended dosages of omega-3 supplements, and involved patients who were already sick (meaning that they didn't address the benefits of fish-oil supplements to people taking them as a preventive measure). For those interested in these and other issues, we've amassed a wealth of independently researched information on our web site, www.ExpertOmega3.com.

I'm pretty sure they don't work as antihistamines on my dogs' allergies, either.

American Medical Association Oh OK then that makes it a legit story... NOT! Sure trust the AMA I would trust the words / reports of Nabisco over the AMA...

I THINK WE SHOULD FILE A LAW SUIT....FOR LYING TO US! I'M SICK OF THE MAKERS RIPPING US OFF.

ROB, you are correct in almost all of your statements.I would add several other important facts to the blood plasma /cholesterol connection; Exercise and diet(or the lack thereof)are the main factors in the control of cholesterol. Consider that the human body produces cholesterol. Cholesterol is essential for nerve,brain, and arterial repair in the human. Many supplemental foods are very important in the regulation of cholesterol levels...Lecithin, coconut oil, walnuts/walnut oil,and hemp oil are at the top of the list. Other factors include reducing saturated fats and oils in the diet, moderate increase of fiber intake, and most importantly getting enough exercise. You are quite correct that statins can be very harmful and can cause a multitude of side effects. In my opinion statins should be banned. AS you said "Follow the money...".

Quite simply: Follow the money. Studies such as this are mostly flawed for the simple reason that the sponsors of the study (usually the pharmaceutical industry) have no interest in cheaper supplements that can do the job of more expensive cholesterol medicine without the harmful side effects that they can bring. Cholesterol medicines now come with a warning label on these harmful side effects much like cigarettes do. One must ask, what dosage did they use? Did it have enough vitamin E in the capsule to prevent oxidation in the body? How long was the study? I have several patients with high cholesterol levels which I immediately put on a high quality, high potency dosage omega-3 fish oil capsules (that I do not myself sell). Without exception almost all have lowered there LDL cholesterol levels significantly. Many to the point where they no longer have to use their medicine anymore. I do warn them however that when they begin with taking this supplement together with their medicine that they have to be careful that their cholesterol levels do not fall too low and to have it checked after a couple of months. One of my patients to which this happened stumped the cardiologist with this. When the doctor asked the patient how this could happen the patient told him about the fish oil to which the cardiologist replied, "Stop with the fish oil." Unbelievable! I am not against medicine. I have to use it myself and it has its place. But statins can be one of the most harmful things that you can do to your body and heart. Statins do lower cholesterol but make the heart weaker in other ways. I always invite my patients to be skeptical over my claims and to take the time to find a reputable website(s) that will give the full story on statins and cholesterol. I invite you to do the same. But always remember: Follow the money...