Omega-3 supplements have minimal health benefits, studies say

Research that concludes omega-3 fats have minimal health benefits was conducted on fish oil supplements; this may not necessarily apply to foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like the ones in this photo, when taken as part of a balanced diet. — AFP

Increased consumption of omega-3 fats is widely promoted globally because of a common belief that it will protect against, or even reverse, diseases such as cancer, heart attacks and stroke.

But two systematic reviews published recently find that omega-3 supplements may slightly reduce coronary heart disease death and events, but slightly increase risk of prostate cancer.