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Because the trials included in the Greek analysis went as far back as 1989, the researchers also considered whether growing use of statins and other medications could explain why later studies failed to support the early findings. But according to the team, led by Dr. Mosef Elisaf at the University Hospital of Ioannina, that wasn't the case.
"I think the bottom line is supplements are not always the answer," said Alice Lichtenstein, director of the Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory at Tufts University in Boston.

What I see:
"No, no! It is NOT the prescription meds that may be skewing anything....of course not!. Obviously it is simply that supplements are worthless."
"Also, please keep taking our prescription meds."

What I see:
"No, no! It is NOT the prescription meds that may be skewing anything....of course not!. Obviously it is simply that supplements are worthless."
"Also, please keep taking our prescription meds."

It was nothing of the sort. This study was of Omega-3s that are processed in standardized forms by pharmaceutical companies and prescribed as drugs. That is different from "natural" Omega-3s, since (by law) any pills made by pharmaceutical companies have to undergo stringent quality control testing, to include ensuring that a pill containing 5 units of active ingredient actually contains 5 units.

These standardized pills are not comparable to the supplements that you might buy at the store, which undergo very little quality testing, and may not contain anything close to the amount of active ingredient as stated on the label.

Personally, I avoid taking any pills--whether pharmaceuticals manufactured according to strict quality standards, or "natural" supplements purchased in a store--unless I absolutely must. My training in biochemistry tells me that ingesting these active ingredients puts stress on the body's detoxification systems, stress I'd rather avoid unless necessary.

Good point about obscuring medication. When people go to Dr. Atkin’s clinic, they first try to wean the client off as much medication as possible. He even mentions that there are certain medications that really interfere with the nutrients needed for the problem being addressed.

Incidentally, anyone who really wants to rev up their condition and loose weight without a lot of painful hunger should Googe the Atkins Induction Diet, and then the 3 follow-up diets for long term maintenance. If you have a medical condition, you could ask the doctor to supervise your health as you try this, but you probably will get a lot of pooh pooh comments from the medical profession. If you do have a medical condition you will want to research this very carefully. There are several Atkins books available giving a lot of detail on treatment of individuals and success with very low carb diets, especially for diabetes. He also recommends using an array of vitamins and minerals. You really have to study this if you want to help yourself when your doctor is not willing to.