Americans have been continuously trying to improve their overall health, nutrition and wellness through the use of different kinds of supplements.
One of the most popular supplements in the market today is the fish oil supplements. However, recent studies show that these fish oil supplements aren't what they actually seem to be.
Based on the "collective analysis of 24 studies based on randomized clinical trials," Americans spend almost $1.2 billion per year on fish oil supplements and other products related to the pill.
One author from the study even noted that an average of 10% of Americans take fish oil supplements in the year 2013 alone. Fish oil supplements are often perceived to have Omega 3 fatty acids, which are deemed as "good fatty acids."
Unfortunately, the health benefits that these fish oil supplements claim to offer seem show no evidence of such.
Based on a "review of studies" published last year in one of the American Medical Association journals, the "accrual of high-level evidence [shows] that the supplements lack efficacy across a range of health outcomes."
Robert Eckel, former AHA president, notes: "It would be a good time for [product efficacy and labels] to be updated. Almost all studies of fish oil supplements show no benefit. I really feel this remains unproven."
Standford University professor, John P.A. Ioannidis, explained the logic regarding nutritional research issues. "Unfortunately, it's a common situation. What we have found is that the original papers continue to be cited well after they have been refuted. These claims do not easily die away."
Because of the conflicting articles and recommendations, the National Institutes of Health's Dietary Supplements scientific consultant Paul R. Thomas claims that these are because of prejudice.
"Their conclusion that fish oil omega-3s are likely effective for heart disease is generous. Whether fish oil can help healthy people prevent of reduce their risks of cardiovascular disease when taken over months and years is still an open scientific question," Thomas explained.
While the debate seems to still be dreading on, it's probably not best to take fish oil supplements until any evidence of health benefits come into light.
