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Fish oil pills slash the risk of a heart attack or stroke among patients at high risk, according to new research.
Scientists found that the tablets reduce levels of a clogging fat by almost a third.
Triglyceride is the most common fat in the body. Too much fuels atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which leads to the clots – cutting off blood to the heart or brain.
Now more than 10,000 patients have shown the Omega-3 supplements cut it by 20 to 30 percent.
The finding published in the journal Circulation, was based on data from participants around the world, including the UK, who had been prescribed broad doses.
Professor Ann Skulas-Ray, co-author of the American Heart Association study, said: "From our review of the evidence from 17 randomized, controlled clinical trials on high triglyceride levels, we concluded It is effective and can be used safely in conjunction with statin drugs that lower cholesterol. "
The Food and Drug Administration in the US (FDA) has approved a purified fish oil called Lovaza at a dose of 4 grams to treat high triglycerides.
Taken with food, each 1-gram capsule contains about 900 mg of omega-3s – working out at 3,600 mg.
Prof. Skulas-Ray, a nutritionist at Arizona State University, said people with high triglycerides should not try to treat the condition themselves with non-prescription supplements.
She said: "Dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids are not regulated by the FDA.
"They should not be used in place of prescription medication for the long-term management of high triglycerides."
Two years ago the American Heart Association said there is a lack of scientific research to support fish oil pills to prevent heart disease in the general population.
There are two prescription medications available. One contains the fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and the other combines with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Elevated triglycerides above 200 mg / dL (milligrams per deciliter) can cause atherosclerosis – a potentially fatal cardiovascular condition.
Very high levels over 500 mg / dL may also result in pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas. Currently, the FDA has approved prescriptions only for this.
The American Heart Association says triglycerides should be combated with healthy lifestyle choices – before turning to medication.
This includes regular exercise, losing weight, avoiding sugar and refined foods, drinking and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.
It is also important to keep under thyroid gland – known as hypothyroidism.
Fish is rich omega-3 and the American Heart Association recommends salmon, mackerel, herring and tuna at least two times per week.
Prof. Skulas-Ray's team also discovered that they are effective in reducing triglyceride – regardless of whether or not they are taking up statins.
A recent study of more than 8,000 people was found to be associated with high triglycerides by a quarter.
The problem of high triglycerides is common in the UK and the US because of unhealthy lifestyles.
Obesity and diabetes raise the blood fats. About one-in-four adults have a triglyceride level above 150 mg / dL – which is considered borderline high.
Unlike saturated or trans fats, you can not limit or cut them out of your diet because your body produces them from what you eat.
Look at what you put in your mouth – a sandwich, a chicken salad or a cake – if you do not burn the calories you've been ingested, your body will turn into triglycerides and store them in fat cells.
Britons spends tens of millions on omega 3 pills, capsules and oils. They are one of the most popular types of supplementation
The health benefits have been debated for years – with some experts saying they are a waste of money for the most part of the world.
The best evidence for omega-3s being protective of studies involving peop already vulnerable to cardiovascular disease.
Most of us who take a fish oil by a couple of times a week.
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