Omega 3 fatty acids have received a lot of press touting all of the health benefits that they carry. And while they can do many good things, not all of the claims that you may have heard are backed up by truth. For example, there is little to no evidence supporting the claims that Omega 3 supplements can help improve respiratory and cardiovascular health in the general population. However, after someone has suffered from a heart attack, the benefits of Omega 3 supplements are very noticeable.
According to the American Heart Association, there is not enough evidence to support using Omega 3 supplements in the general population for the purpose of preventing heart disease. As of a 2012 estimate, more than 18 million adults in the U.S. were taking fish oil in order to help with their Omega 3 intake. According to the AHA, although some of these people might be taking Omega 3 for legitimate purposes, not all are. This could potentially cause issues with interference from other medications. At the very least, some of these people might be taking supplements and seeing no results from them.
Although their new statement did not find definite evidence that Omega 3s could help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and more, they did find evidence that they help with recovery after a heart attack has occurred. There was evidence of this present as far back as 2002, but the researchers involved now believe that this is more helpful than once thought. That could be good news for those recovering from heart disease issues.
It should be noted that this particular study only looked at Omega 3 being used for heart health and not for other aspects of health. It also did not take into account the potential benefits that might come about by consuming fish rather than taking fish oil as a supplement. There is still a lot of research that needs to be done in these areas, but Omega 3 fatty acids have shown evidence to help with brain health, too.
The big lesson to take away from this is that you should be very careful before you or an elderly loved one begins taking a supplement. Not all supplements do what they say they do, and when someone is already taking several medications, adding more that do not serve a definite purpose can add to the confusion and difficulties that might arise.
Omega 3 supplements–whether taken in the form of fish oil or something else–can be very helpful, but they are not right for everyone. Even though this is a commonly taken supplement, it is important that you or your elderly loved one consult with a physician before they are started. Even though they have health benefits, some supplements may interfere with other medications. Be sure to talk with a trusted physician before any new supplement or vitamin is begun. For an elderly person receiving in-home care or another type of senior care, more medications can increase the likelihood that a complication could arise, making it even more important that needless medications and supplements are avoided.
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