Marine n–3 Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

This randomized, placebo controlled trial investigated the effects of marine n–3 (omega 3) fatty acid supplementation (1 g/day) on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer in 25,871 U.S. adults aged ≥50 (men) or ≥55 (women). Over a median follow-up of 5.3 years, n 3 supplementation did not significantly reduce the incidence of major cardiovascular events (composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death; hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.80–1.06) or invasive cancer (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93–1.13) compared to placebo. Secondary analyses showed a reduced risk of myocardial infarction (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59–0.90) but no significant effects on stroke, cancer mortality, or all cause mortality. Subgroup analyses suggested potential benefits for individuals with low fish intake. The study concluded that n–3 supplementation did not lower the incidence of major cardiovascular events or cancer in a general population but may reduce myocardial infarction risk.

This randomized, placebo controlled trial investigated the effects of marine n–3 (omega 3) fatty acid supplementation (1 g/day) on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer in 25,871 U.S. adults aged ≥50 (men) or ≥55 (women). Over a median follow-up of 5.3 years, n 3 supplementation did not significantly reduce the incidence of major cardiovascular events (composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death; hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.80–1.06) or invasive cancer (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93–1.13) compared to placebo. Secondary analyses showed a reduced risk of myocardial infarction (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59–0.90) but no significant effects on stroke, cancer mortality, or all cause mortality. Subgroup analyses suggested potential benefits for individuals with low fish intake. The study concluded that n–3 supplementation did not lower the incidence of major cardiovascular events or cancer in a general population but may reduce myocardial infarction risk.