2018 - Reprints: Healthcare Management
The cardiovascular benefits of indiscriminate supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids: Meta-analysis and decision-making approach, International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 69(5), 549-556, 2018
M. Leshno, U. Goldbourt, I. Pinchuk and D. Lichtenberg
(Reprint no. 350)
Research no: 05180100
Aim: The meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the cardiovascular benefits of indiscriminate supplementation of omega-3 capsules. The results, expressed in terms of quality adjusted life years (QALY) intuitively understood by the general public, can be the basis for the (personal) decision on whether to take omega-3 supplements. Methods: The results of meta-analysis of eight double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials are expressed in terms of QALY, using the Markov model and Monte Carlo simulations. Results: Omega-3 supplementation results in a 8% decrease of the risk of cardiac death, unless the patients are treated by statins. Results indicate that omega-3 supplementation may prolong QALY by about a month. Old people gain less, whereas DM-2 patients and people with a history of CV events gain more. Discussion: Our analysis yielded an algorithm for estimating the benefit from omega-3 supplementation, based on the age and the individual risk of CV events of the patient.