Recent studies show that fish oil supplements are not comparable to the real thing: Oily fish. For years, patients have been instructed to consume these oily supplements to help their heart and prevent future disease. Now it seems that was probably in vain.
According the Journal of American Medicine, the conclusion following an in-depth study of the fish oil supplement using “randomized clinical trials evaluating the effect of omega-3 on all-cause mortality, cardiac death, sudden death, myocardial infarction, and stroke” the following conclusion was arrived:
“Overall, omega-3 PUFA supplementation was not associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiac death, sudden death, myocardial infarction, or stroke based on relative and absolute measures of association.” (http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1357266&atab=7)
So, is this the first time a supplement like “fish oil” pills has been thrown under the bus for not being the effective product believed to be beneficial for our health? Should we stop taking fish oil supplements? Most importantly, should we take supplements at all?
The “Data Synthesis” collected in this report covered more than enough data to make a strong case for the JAMA’s conclusion:
“Conclusion: Overall, omega-3 PUFA supplementation was not associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiac death, sudden death, myocardial infarction, or stroke based on relative and absolute measures of association.”
“Of the 3635 citations retrieved, 20 studies of 68 680 patients were included, reporting 7044 deaths, 3993 cardiac deaths, 1150 sudden deaths, 1837 myocardial infarctions, and 1490 strokes. No statistically significant association was observed with all-cause mortality.”
Before you invest in taking supplements to boost or supply your body with needed nutrients and minerals consider a few things that will make a greater impact to your health and wellness, overall:
*Diet. The study concluded very clearly that consuming oily fish naturally was superior to consuming a supplement. Most supplements are not FDA “tested”. Supplements do not change eating/nutritional habits. Most people who eat their nutrients also follow a healthier lifestyle, overall.
*Fitness. If you’re trying to live a heart healthy life, fitness is a must. Fish oil pills and/or any supplement cannot replace what your body needs from fitness and regular exercise.
*Preventative. Changing your lifestyle = Building a solid foundation for your wellness. When we try to “short cut” our wellness, through supplement consumption, we cheat our body of what it truly needs.
If you’re trying to live your life well, then stop taking short cuts to get there. It takes time to change but the benefits you receive over the course of your entire life will be well worth it. Unfortunately, most supplements do not provide what we expect nor do they change our habits or help us form new ones. Many are “watered down” versions of the real thing.
Organic food is always the healthier choice when it comes to eating “clean” food products (they are absent of chemicals and genetically modified products). If your budget doesn’t afford you the option of eating organic then start with eating healthy, whole and fresh food. Eat more oily fish, at least three times a week (salmon, sardines, etc.). Prepare every day to succeed (plan ahead). Attend a nutritional wellness class. Find a “workout” friend, who will inspire and influence you to stay the course. Most of all ask yourself “why” you need to change (not want to but need to) and how will you get there (plan of action). If you’re not a self-motivated type person, then seek professional guidance by a nutritional counselor.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Healthy living comes from living a healthy lifestyle.
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