Fish Linked to Heart Failure Risk, Omega-3 Results Mixed

More about questionably effective supplements.

A new study suggests it may be best to eat fish instead of taking individual omega-3 fatty acids in supplement form.

After reviewing information on the habits and fatty-acid blood levels of more than 20,000 male doctors, researchers found mixed results when it came to omega-3 supplements and the men's likelihood of heart failure, but eating fish regularly was linked to a lower risk.

According to the study's senior researcher, the results are consistent with the American Heart Association's (AHA) recommendations.

"Our findings showed a lower risk of heart failure in men consuming any amount of fish per week," Dr. Luc Djoussé, of Harvard Medical School in Boston said in an email. "Given current AHA recommendations, we do not believe that any change should be made based on our findings."

The current recommendations are for people to eat two servings of fatty fish per week. Salmon, herring, sardines and albacore tuna are some of the fish considered the most beneficial, according to the AHA.

Some people, however, may prefer to take omega-3 fatty acid supplements that are available over the counter, but their benefits for heart health remain unclear. One recent meta-analysis found no link between omega-3 supplements and overall death rates (see Reuters Health story from Sept. 11, 2012).

But leave it to the Whore Foods crowd to keep buying this stuff.