Study: Omega-3 fatty acids don't help heart

CINCINNATI - A new study says omega-3 fatty acids do not actually help your heart.

It's long been thought that omega-3 fatty acids benefit heart health. However, the study out of Greece finds no link between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and a lower risk of major cardiovascular disease events.

Kristin Kirkpatrick did not take part in the study but is a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic.

"What we know is that in a lot of clinical practices is that many patients are being put on omega-3 fatty acids to help protect the heart and this study kind of said that maybe that's not the best indication for treatment," said Kirkpatrick.

Researchers at University Hospital of Ioannina reviewed 20 studies involving nearly 69,000 people. They checked to see if omega-3 fatty acids, either through supplements or dietary counseling, impacted heart health.

Their analysis indicates no statistically significant association between omega-3's and major cardiovascular outcomes.

Researchers say the findings do not justify the use of omega-3 as a structured intervention in everyday clinical practice or guidelines.

Kirkpatrick says omega 3's may not help your heart, but they do provide other benefits.

"There are several studies that show benefits to the brain, reducing the risk of dementia, actually helping to reduce the risk of depression," said Kirkpatrick.

Complete findings for this study are in the journal of the American Medical Association .