Effects of Moderate-Dose Omega-3 Fish Oil on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Mood After Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Stroke
Q1
Nov 2009
Citations:63
Influential Citations:3
Interventional (Human) Studies
90
S2 IconPDF Icon

Enhanced Details

Methods
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at a single hospital site in Auckland, New Zealand (July 2004–March 2006). Participants: adults with CT-confirmed ischemic stroke (first-ever or recurrent) 3 months prior to registration; 102 randomized (51 per group); 95 completed. Baseline characteristics included predominantly older men who were overweight; high prevalence of statin therapy (~80%) and blood pressure-lowering therapy (60–70%). Outcomes included triglycerides as primary, with secondary lipid, inflammatory and hemostatic markers, mood, and health-related quality of life; compliance assessed by capsule count and serum phospholipid omega-3; analyses included intention-to-treat and per-protocol (85% compliance).
Intervention
3 g/day encapsulated fish oil (approximately 1.2 g total omega-3 per day; DHA 0.7 g, EPA 0.3 g) taken daily with meals for 12 weeks; placebo oil (palm and soy) administered in matching capsules.
Results
No significant difference between fish oil and placebo for triglycerides or any lipid, inflammatory, hemostatic, mood, or quality-of-life measures after 12 weeks. Compliance was high; DHA and EPA increased in the fish oil group; some oxidation products detected by study end. Safety: 42 adverse events (22 fish oil, 20 placebo); 6 serious events (4 fish oil, 2 placebo) including one placebo death from myocardial infarction. Conclusion: 12 weeks of moderate-dose fish oil did not improve cardiovascular biomarkers or mood in ischemic stroke patients; possible explanations include insufficient dose, short duration, and/or oxidation of oils.
Limitations
Small sample size; short duration (12 weeks); oil oxidation observed; single-site trial; high use of concomitant medications (statins, antihypertensives) may have concealed effects.

Abstract

Background and Purpose— Fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids have long been associated with cardiovascular protection. In this trial, we assessed whether treatment with a guideline-recommended moderate-dose fish oil supplement could improve cardiovascula...