A new study suggests that fish oil supplements, which are already popular for their health benefits, may offer even more advantages—especially for people with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol.
The research shows that taking fish oil can lower the risk of high levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (often called “bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides, even for those genetically inclined to have higher levels.
Fish oil supplements are a booming industry, with millions of people in the U.S. and around the world taking these omega-3-rich pills.
Now, the study’s findings might encourage even more people, particularly those with a family history of high cholesterol, to consider adding fish oil to their daily routine.
The researchers, using genetic data from over 441,000 participants, developed a score to predict the likelihood of high cholesterol based on genetics.
They looked at four key areas: total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).
“Recent advances in genetic research have enabled us to predict someone’s risk of high cholesterol based on their genes,” explains Yitang Sun, a recent doctoral graduate from the University of Georgia’s genetics department.
“But these predictions can be improved by considering individual lifestyle choices, like taking fish oil supplements.”
The study found that participants who took fish oil had lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides than their genetic risk would suggest.
This indicates that fish oil supplements might help counteract the genetic risk of high cholesterol.
“By including lifestyle factors like supplement use, we can improve our predictions of cholesterol levels,” says Kaixiong Ye, the study’s corresponding author and an assistant professor of genetics.
“Our findings also support the idea that fish oil supplements can help reduce the genetic risk of high cholesterol.”
High cholesterol is a significant health concern, as it can lead to hardened arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
While diet and exercise are important for managing cholesterol, genetics also play a major role. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 86 million American adults have high cholesterol, and millions more are at risk due to genetic factors.
For those with a family history of high cholesterol, this study offers a hopeful option to help protect their health. “Taking fish oil is associated with a shift toward a healthier lipid profile,” says Ye.
The research also found that fish oil supplements are beneficial for raising HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol that helps protect against heart disease.
These findings were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and highlight the potential of fish oil to be a valuable tool in managing cholesterol levels, especially for those at higher genetic risk.
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