Omega-3 fatty acid No Longer Considered Effective in Preventing Heart Disease

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has concluded that omega-3 fatty acid medicines are not effective in preventing further heart and blood vessels problems in patients who have had a heart attack.

The conclusion, based on a review of data accumulated over the years, means that these medicines will no longer be authorized for such use.

Omega-3 fatty acid medicines have been authorized for use after a heart attack, in combination with other medicines, in several EU countries since 2000, at a dose of 1g per day. At the time of their authorization, available data showed some benefits in reducing serious problems with the heart and blood vessels, although the benefits were considered modest. Further data that have become available since then have not confirmed the beneficial effects of these medicines for this use.

Although there are no new safety concerns, EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) concluded that the balance between the benefits and risks of these medicines to prevent recurrence of heart disease or stroke is now negative.

These medicines can still be used to reduce levels of certain types of blood fat called triglycerides.

Fortifying bakery products with Omega 3, such as fish oil encapsulates, was done for enhancing the consumption of health beneficial poly unsaturated fatty acids. For example, in 2018, Weston Bakeries Ltd. introduced Wonder+ Headstart 100% Whole Wheat bread with the added omega-3 DHA.