Fish Oil Supplements Fail to Protect Against Heart Disease, Dementia and Depression

There’s something fishy about the bold claims. And oh, those side effects!

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As we age, it’s natural to wonder what sorts of foods or dietary supplements might help keep the brain sharp and the body fit.

Here’s a big one: Omega-3 fatty acids, common in some fish and plant foods, are polyunsaturated fats crucial for proper functioning of cells throughout the brain and body. They are vital building blocks for creating fats you can’t live without. Omega-3s are known to support a healthy heart, mind and body, notably reducing cellular inflammation and helping prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline.

So it might seem logical that fish-oil supplements, packed with omega-3s, would be really good for you. They’re certainly popular: Americans spend an estimated $1 billion on them every year, with 20% of US adults over 60 ingesting them regularly.

If you are among those people, you’re likely wasting your money.

Here’s your takeaway: Omega-3 fish oil supplements are nowhere near as effective as we’ve been led to believe. They are demonstrably ineffective for several conditions, and can even be detrimental to your health.