The Truth About Fish (Oil) in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia

Purpose of Review To discuss the effect of fish oils on dyslipidemias and associated disorders. Recent Findings The most important lipid effect of fish oils is reducing plasma triglycerides and the main potential protection against cardiovascular events is very probably mediated also through other mechanisms including anti-inflammatory ones. The best results are available for omega-3 fatty acids, namely, eicosapentaenoic acid. Less evidence is available for the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on liver steatosis/steatohepatitis and acute pancreatitis. In addition, particular fish oils have variable content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with different anti- or pro-oxidative potential, and the suboptimal ratio of these compounds could attenuate or abolish their beneficial properties. Fish products with optimal proportion of fatty acids, particularly high content of eicosapentaenoic acid, could be recommended to patients with dyslipidemias, especially to those at high risk for cardiovascular disease; less evidence is available for liver disease and acute pancreatitis.

Automated summary

Fish oils can lower blood lipids and protect against cardiovascular events, mainly through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid, have the best results and are recommended for patients with dyslipidemias, especially those at high risk for cardiovascular disease.