November 7, 2013 — Every day, millions of Americans take supplements to get the vitamins and nutrients their bodies need to stay healthy. Like many others, you might take a daily fish oil supplement to get the benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids that can be difficult to obtain through food sources alone.
Thousands of studies show numerous positives of omega-3s, including benefits to the health of the heart, joints, brain, eyes, prostate and women's reproductive systems. But a recent report is raising concerns for some people about possible negative consequences of fish oil.
Should one report cause you to change your daily routine? Experts agree no one should make health changes based on the results of a single study. A body of consistent evidence is required to draw a conclusion on any substance's impact on long-term health – the very reason the FDA requires drug companies to conduct multiple trails before considering approving new drugs. Adopting a similar mindset when reading about studies that affect your health can help cut through the clutter and ease concerns.