Summary of results
- Omega-3 EPA and DHA have been shown to have a proven clinical efficacy in several health areas.
- They reduce the post-infarction cardiovascular mortality of 20% (GISSI study).
- They improve memory in the elderly (MIDAS study)
- They slow the progression of AMD (AREDS2 study) and reduce joint inflammation (Calder study).
- These effects are obtained with doses of 850 to 900 mg/day, validated by benchmark clinical trials
Synergistic benefits and documented mechanisms
Several solid clinical studies validate the effectiveness of fatty acids EPA And DHA, found in fish liver oil, for cardiovascular, cognitive, ocular, and inflammatory health benefits. Here are the key references:
1. Cardiovascular health
GISSI-Prevenzione study (1999)
- Population : 11,324 post-infarction patients
- Result : daily supplementation with EPA+DHA (~850 mg) reduced the risk of cardiovascular mortality by 20%
- Source : The Lancet, 1999; 354(9177):447-55
2. Brain function & prevention of cognitive decline
MIDAS Study (Memory Improvement with DHA Study, 2010)
- Population : adults ≥55 years with memory disorders
- Result : 900 mg DHA/day improved episodic memory
- Source : Alzheimer's & Dementia, 2010; 6(6):456-64
3. Vision and eye health
AREDS2 study (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2, 2013)
- Result : DHA and EPA associated with reduced progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Source : JAMA, 2013; 309(19):2005–2015
4. Joint inflammation and pain
Study Calder PC et al. (2006)
- Result : EPA and DHA have clinically significant anti-inflammatory effects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- Source : The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2006; 65(3): 326–332
Purity and cold extraction
Although there are no studies directly on cold extraction, this process preserves the integrity of omega-3s avoiding their oxidation. The quality (low Totox index) is a indirect marker of effectiveness, and gentle processes (without chemical solvents) are preferred in studies comparing the bioavailability of oils.