Ingredients · Omega-3 Fish Oil · Research
Clinical research

What does the research say about Omega-3 Fish Oil?

very strong evidence

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA) are the single most-studied supplement category for cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and brain function. The triglyceride form is more bioavailable than ethyl esters.

Best-evidenced use cases
  • Cardiovascular disease prevention
  • Triglyceride reduction
  • Mood support (especially depression)
  • Pregnancy / fetal brain development
  • Joint inflammation

4 key studies

Search PubMed for more
  • 01Meta-analysis2019Journal of the American Heart Association

    Marine omega-3 supplementation and cardiovascular disease

    Hu et al.
    Sample
    13 RCTs · 127,477 participants
    Dose
    0.4-4 g/day EPA+DHA
    Duration
    Mean 5 years
    Key finding

    Omega-3 supplementation reduced fatal myocardial infarction risk by 8% (RR 0.92), with dose-response: higher doses produced larger effects.

    Read on PubMed
  • 02Meta-analysis2019Translational Psychiatry

    Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and depression

    Liao et al.
    Sample
    26 RCTs · 2,160 participants
    Dose
    ≥60% EPA-dominant
    Duration
    8-12 weeks
    Key finding

    EPA-dominant omega-3 (≥60% EPA) significantly reduced depression symptoms (SMD -0.99) vs placebo. DHA-only formulations were ineffective.

    Read on PubMed
  • 03Systematic Review2019Circulation

    Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on serum triglycerides

    Skulas-Ray et al.
    Sample
    Pooled clinical data
    Dose
    2-4 g/day
    Duration
    8+ weeks
    Key finding

    AHA scientific statement: 4 g/day EPA+DHA produces 20-30% reduction in serum triglycerides, comparable to fibrate medications.

    Read on PubMed
  • 04Meta-analysis2007Pain

    Omega-3 and rheumatoid arthritis joint symptoms

    Goldberg & Katz
    Sample
    17 RCTs · 823 patients
    Dose
    2.7+ g/day EPA+DHA
    Duration
    ≥3 months
    Key finding

    Fish oil supplementation reduced joint pain intensity, morning stiffness, and NSAID consumption in inflammatory arthritis.

    Read on PubMed
How we read the research

We prioritize randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses over single observational studies. Animal and in-vitro data are listed as "mechanistic", they suggest direction, not human effect size.

What we don't do

We don't cherry-pick favourable studies, omit conflicting evidence, or cite industry-funded trials without flagging the conflict of interest where known.

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Studies referenced are real published research. Summaries are paraphrased for accessibility, for exact methods and full text, click through to PubMed. Educational use only, not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any new supplement.