Study finds omega-3 supplements reduce genetic risk of high total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels

Medical Xpress / University of Georgia / The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ^ | Aug. 5, 2024 | Yitang Sun et al

[ConservativeMind]

Fish oil supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry in the U.S. and abroad, with about 2 out of every 25 people popping the popular omega-3 pills.

And a new study might encourage a new population to start looking into the supplements as well: people with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol.

Using genetic data from more than 441,000 participants, the researchers calculated a score to predict the genetic likelihood of high levels of total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol (which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol), triglycerides and HDL cholesterol (or "good" cholesterol).

"Recent advances in genetic studies have allowed us to predict someone's genetic risk of high cholesterol," said Yitang Sun. "But the current prediction has room for improvement."

The researchers found that participants who reported taking fish oil supplements have lower blood lipid levels than predicted, especially for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

"Our study shows that considering lifestyles will improve genetic prediction," said Kaixiong Ye. "Our findings also support that fish oil supplements may counteract the genetic predisposition to high cholesterol."

It's no secret that high cholesterol is bad for the body. Arteries start to harden, and the risk of heart attack or stroke increases.

While a healthy diet and exercise can help prevent it, the CDC estimates that about 1 in 4—have high cholesterol.

Millions more are at risk of developing high cholesterol due to a variety of factors including one they can't control: genetics.

For people whose families have a history of high cholesterol, the study's findings offer another possibility to help safeguard their health.

"Taking fish oil is associated with a shift toward a healthy lipid profile," Ye said.

The researchers also analyzed the effects of fish oil on HDL cholesterol and found the supplements are beneficial in raising the so-called "good" cholesterol.

[Trailerpark Badass]

Conservas Pinhais

I eat these a lot. Not cheap, but amazing quality. Grill a thick slice of homemade bread brushed with garlic olive oil, some spring greens, chop up the sardines and make a vinaigrette with the oil, some chopped red onions and feta. I could eat that every day.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Thanks. I had a great 5 year run with nothing at all until COVID #1 July last year.