Oily fish 'no clear benefits'

This is London ^ | March 24, 2006 | Staff

[MadIvan]

Claims that oily fish is good for people's health are not backed by strong evidence, experts have said.

Researchers studied the effects of omega 3 fats on death rates, heart disease and cancer and found there was no evidence of a "clear benefit" of omega 3 fats on health.

In a study published in the British Medical Journal, scientists were keen to point out that the importance of omega 3's should not be ruled out. But they warned that the evidence about potential benefits should be regularly reviewed.

Omega 3 fats are found in oily fish such as mackerel and fresh tuna, supplements and some plant oils. They have been widely regarded as beneficial for health, with health experts recommending that people eat more of them.

In the BMJ report, researchers analysed 89 studies to assess the effects of omega 3 fats on different outcomes for health.

Pooling the results showed no strong evidence that omega 3's had an effect on total deaths, heart attacks, heart disease, cancer or strokes.

The researchers concluded that it is actually unclear whether omega 3's reduce or increase total death rates, heart attacks and disease, cancer, or strokes.

In an accompanying BMJ editorial, Eric Brunner, said: "Health recommendations advise increased consumption of oily fish and fish oils, within limits, on the grounds that intake is generally low.

"However, industrial fishing has depleted the world's fish stocks by some 90% since 1950, and rising fish prices reduce affordability particularly for people with low incomes."

Other studies have found that omega 3's have a positive effect on health. Earlier this week, a study found that the fats helped stop the spread of prostate cancer to other parts of the body.

[csvset]

"I want to know who funded this study."

Beef.Org ?

Just kidding.

[ChildOfThe60s]

Mmmm, even better.....

And....it protects you from the bird flu!

Just had bulgogi at a Korean place in Lexington,KY and it was served with 5 kinds of kimchee. Makes me hungry thinking about it.

Outstanding restaurant, BTW.

[satchmodog9]

Thanks a bunch. I will give it a look.

[Victoria Delsoul]

He said gambling was the quickest way, women was the most pleasureable and believing experts was the most certain.

ROTFLOL!