Effects of Moderate-Dose Omega-3 Fish Oil on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Mood After Ischemic Stroke

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 cardiovascular biomarkers, mood- and health-related quality of life in patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: Patients with CT-confirmed stroke were randomized to 3 g/day encapsulated fish oil containing approximately 1.2 g total omega-3 (0.7 g docosahexaenoic acid; 0.3 g eicosapentaenoic acid) or placebo oil (combination palm and soy) taken daily over 12 weeks. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and associated lipoproteins, selected inflammatory and hemostatic markers, mood, and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline and follow-up. The primary outcome was change in triglycerides. Compliance was assessed by capsule count and serum phospholipid omega-3 levels (Australian Clinical Trials Registration: ACTRN12605000207617). RESULTS: One hundred two patients were randomized to fish oil or placebo. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol (>85% compliance) analyses showed no significant effect of fish oil treatment on any lipid, inflammatory, hemostatic, or composite mood parameters measured. Adherence to treatment based on pill count was good (89%) reflected by increased serum docosahexanoic acid (P<0.001) and eicosapentaenoic acid (P=0.0006) in the fish oil group. Analysis of oil composition, however, showed some degradation and potentially adverse oxidation products at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: There was no effect of 12 weeks of treatment with moderate-dose fish oil supplements on cardiovascular biomarkers or mood in patients with ischemic stroke. It is possible that insufficient dose, short duration of treatment, and/or oxidation of the fish oils may have influenced these outcomes.