Fish oil supplements have long been seen as a quick way to improve heart and brain health. With their bright labels and promises like “supports heart health” or “boosts brain function,” they’re a popular choice—especially among older adults. But a recent study published in JAMA Cardiology suggests we may need to think twice before adding fish oil to our daily routine.
A team of researchers from UT Southwestern Medical School looked at 2,819 fish oil products sold in the U.S. They found that almost three out of four made at least one health claim.
But here’s the catch: only 19% of those claims had been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rest were vague, unproven statements like “promotes heart health” or “supports brain function.”
At the center of fish oil’s appeal are omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, which are believed to offer health benefits. But the study found wide differences in how much EPA and DHA each supplement actually contained.
And since there are no official daily intake guidelines for these omega-3s, it’s hard to know how much is enough—or whether the dose in your supplement is doing anything at all.
This is troubling, especially since many people, particularly those over 60, take fish oil hoping to protect their heart.
But co-author Dr. Ann Marie Navar questions whether it’s money well spent. She suggests that instead of investing in uncertain supplements, people might get better results from proven steps like eating more vegetables or taking medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol if needed.
Nutrition expert Connie Diekman adds another layer to the conversation. She says that while eating fish is healthy, the benefits might not come from the oil alone. Fish is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. So, getting your omega-3s from fish might be better than relying on pills.
Meanwhile, two large ongoing studies—VITAL in the U.S. and ASCEND in the U.K.—have so far not shown strong evidence that fish oil supplements help prevent heart disease. This adds more weight to the idea that these pills might not be as effective as advertised.
The researchers behind the JAMA Cardiology study are calling for stricter rules on how supplement companies can label their products. They argue that consumers deserve clear, honest information—not flashy promises that aren’t backed by science.
So what does this mean for you? If you’re taking a fish oil supplement, it might be a good time to talk to your doctor or a dietitian. They can help you decide whether it’s actually helping or if there are better ways to protect your health.
In the end, the best advice might still be the simplest: eat a balanced diet, stay active, and follow your doctor’s guidance. When it comes to your health, especially your heart and brain, there’s no magic pill—but there are smart choices.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about why vitamin K is so important for older people, and this snack food may harm your heart rhythm.
For more health information, please see recent studies about vitamin that may protect you from type 2 diabetes, and results showing this common chemical in food may harm your blood pressure.
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