The prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, published a report of an intervention study that demonstrated the substantial prevention of major coronary events in patients taking EPA, an Omega 3 fatty acid, daily. The study followed 18,645 patients with total cholesterol levels in excess of 250 mg/dL for almost 5 years. These patients were assigned to take either a statin drug alone, or a statin drug with 1800 mg of EPA.

The researchers found that, not only did taking the EPA result in a 19% relative reduction in major coronary events over taking the statin drug alone, but it also significantly improved the incidence of non-fatal heart attacks and unstable angina.
In 2000, the FDA granted a qualified health claim that “supportive but not conclusive research shows that EPA and DHA, the Omega 3 fatty acids, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” Since then, there has been mounting evidence that has corroborated that taking Omega 3 fatty acids can improve mortality from coronary artery disease.
Originally, the FDA agreed that the Omega 3 fatty acids might have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease based on observation of the general population and their recall of the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in their diet. Understandably, the FDA wanted more substantial evidence before it would state conclusively that Omega 3 fatty acids could help prevent heart disease. This Lancet report provides them with what they asked for. Perhaps now the FDA will eliminate the need for qualification of this claim.
In any event, we can each take action now to protect ourselves and our families with the proven benefits of Omega 3.