Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

AIMS: Fish oils are widely believed to promote cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure (BP) but the evidence supporting this is not conclusive. We aimed to systematically review existing evidence. METHOD: We undertook a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and crossover trials that evaluated the effectiveness of fish-oil supplements. We included trials enrolling adults who were given fish-oil supplements with at least 8 weeks' follow up. Effects on systolic and diastolic BP were assessed using meta-analysis. Meta-regression was undertaken to explore the relationship between dose of fish oil and BP outcomes. RESULTS: We included 17 studies, with a total of 1524 participants. We explored the effects of fish-oil supplements in both normotensive and hypertensive participants with BP 140/85 mmHg at least. Meta-analyses were performed using the inverse-variance method. Data from eight studies in hypertensive participants found a statistically significant reduction in systolic and diastolic BP; 2.56 mmHg (95% CI 0.58 to 4.53) and 1.47 mmHg (95% CI 0.41 to 2.53), respectively. Nine studies in normotensive participants showed a non-significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic BP. Meta-regression showed no significant relationship between dose of fish oil and the effect on BP. CONCLUSION: The small but statistically significant effects of fish-oil supplements in hypertensive participants in this review have important implications for population health and lowering the risk of stroke and ischaemic heart disease. Their modest effects, however, mean that they should not be recommended as an alternative to BP-lowering drugs where guidelines recommend treatment.

Original publication

DOI

10.1177/2047487312437056

Type

Journal article

Journal

Eur J Prev Cardiol

Publication Date

02/2013

Volume

20

Pages

107 - 120

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Dietary Supplements, Female, Fish Oils, Humans, Hypertension, Male, Middle Aged, Treatment Outcome, Young Adult