Indication: Heart rate variability (HRV)

Source: Chest, April 2005;127(4):1102-7.

Research: A total of 58 elderly nursing home residents were randomized to receive 2 grams per day of fish oil capsules or 2 grams per day of soy oil capsules, and were subsequently followed up every other day for a period of 6 months with 6-minute measurements of HRV while resting supine. An initial control period of 2 months without supplementation was allowed to establish an HRV baseline for each participant.

Results: The average time and frequency-domain parameters of HRV increased significantly during the supplementation period in both groups. Researchers concluded that supplementation with 2 grams per day of fish oil was well tolerated and was associated with a significant increase in HRV. Supplementation with 2 grams per day of soy oil was also associated with a lesser but significant increase in HRV but to a lesser degree.