81% of Supplement Companies made Unapproved Health Claims

Why Experts Recommend Whole Foods Over This Supplement

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My Longevity Experiment
December 10, 2024

Evaluating the Health Benefits of Fish Oil: What Science Says

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has cast doubt on many of the health claims made by fish oil manufacturers. Despite its widespread popularity, evidence suggests that fish oil supplements may not deliver on their promises.

The Popularity of Fish Oil

Fish oil supplements are among the most commonly consumed health products, often marketed with claims of supporting heart health, brain function, joint mobility, eye health, and even the immune system. However, a new study raises questions about whether these benefits hold up under scientific scrutiny.

Scientific Assessment

Joanna Assadourian, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and lead author of the study, explained the motivation behind the research. She stated, "We know from recent large, randomized trials that fish oil supplements do not prevent heart disease in the general population, but yet they are one of the most common supplements taken, often by people who still believe they will benefit their heart."

The research team evaluated the health claims made on fish oil supplement labels, including those reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and others asserting structural or functional support for various organs. They also analyzed the daily doses of EPA and DHA, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, in products from 16 leading manufacturers and retailers.

Key Findings

The study uncovered that out of 2,819 analyzed supplements, nearly 74% made at least one health claim. However, only 19% of those claims were FDA-approved qualified health claims, which are designed to communicate scientific uncertainty to consumers. The rest relied on general statements, such as "promotes heart health."

Variation in EPA and DHA Content

The investigation also revealed wide variability in the daily doses of EPA and DHA offered by different brands. Only 9% of supplements among the 16 leading brands provided a daily dose of 2 grams or more of combined EPA and DHA. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, no established daily dietary recommendations exist for EPA and DHA, leaving consumers without clear guidance.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Ann Marie Navar, an associate professor of medicine at UT Southwestern and co-author of the study, provided a strong critique of the industry. She stated, “You may be better off investing in fresh vegetables, a gym membership, or medication to treat blood pressure or cholesterol. As a preventive cardiologist, I tell my patients that if they are taking fish oil to try to avoid heart disease then they can stop taking it because it's not helping them. Patients should be talking to their doctors rather than taking advice from labels. Supplement labels can be confusing even for the savviest of consumers."

Connie Diekman, a food and nutrition consultant and former President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who was not involved in the study, added her perspective: "The evidence on fish oil supplements is soft. While consuming seafood provides a health benefit, it's not clear that oil from the fish is the reason why. It may be the synergistic effect of everything in that food, as opposed to a single nutrient."

Diekman further emphasized the importance of professional guidance: "I think the first thing that I would say, as a dietitian, is this is a conversation you should have with your physician to get a referral to a dietitian. Or you need to get on some reputable websites where dietitians are involved and who can translate that for you because supplements, while there are laws regulating them, they're like everything else—companies market them and marketing is about selling a product."

The Case for Real Fish

Fish remains an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, without the high saturated fat content found in many other meats. The American Heart Association recommends consuming fish twice a week, especially fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. For those who avoid fish due to allergies or dietary preferences, high-quality supplements may be an alternative—but only with realistic expectations.

Ongoing Research

Dr. Navar highlighted two significant placebo-controlled randomized trials, VITAL and the U.K.'s ASCEND trial, which tested fish oil supplements for heart disease prevention and found no benefits. She noted, "We need more research now on what consumers are inferring from vague statements like 'promotes brain health' and what types of messaging can be used that will accurately convey what is known about the benefits [or lack of benefit] of fish oil supplements."

FDA-Approved Claims

The FDA has approved two qualified health claims regarding DHA and EPA, related to coronary heart disease and blood pressure. These claims, while limited, provide some guidance for consumers. More information can be found on the FDA’s website.

Conclusion

While fish oil supplements remain popular, consumers should approach their use with caution. The evidence does not support many of the broad health claims made by manufacturers. For those looking to improve their health, a focus on whole foods, professional medical advice, and a balanced lifestyle may yield better results than relying on supplements.

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