Taking omega-3 pills directly or via servings of fish, every week might seem murky, especially if one follows the headlines with regards to health and nutrition. This is why the researchers working at Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute have continued to research all the potential risks as well as the benefits of opting for this popular heart health supplement.
The supplement is especially helpful for someone who wants to avoid any risks for prostate cancer with better heart health. The team presented 2 new studies related to omega-3s during the scientific sessions for the American Heart Association held in Philadelphia, dated 17th November 2019. According to one of these two studies, the team managed to identify around 87 patients that were part of research with the development of prostate cancer. All these patients had been tested for the plasma levels in their body with accounts for EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
These are two common variants of the Omega-3 type fatty acids. When the results were compared to the matched group with 149 men, the scientists noted that the higher amount of omega-3 in the body wasn’t linked with the elevated risk of prostate cancer. This study was conducted after being inspired by the 2013 paper acquired from the National Cancer Institute journal that suggested the possibility of a link between the higher levels of omega-3 in the plasma with that of prostate cancer development. This derivative of the study has long been debated post its publication. With the latest study, the notion has been denied by the researchers.
With the second study, the researchers looked through 894 patients that had undergone coronary angiography. This test shows the way blood flows through a human heart and the arteries. These patients came with no history of coronary artery issues or a heart attack. However, when getting their very first angiogram, around 40 percent of the patients were reported to have severe disease, with 10 percent that carried three-vessel disease.
Researchers also went on to measure the exact plasma level of the metabolites present in Omega-3, which include the EPA and DHA. These patients were closely followed to note if they had any stroke, heart attack, heart failure, & death. The study noted that patients with higher omega-3 presence come with lower risk from adverse health effects that can ail the heart in the long run.