Nutraceutical: Omega 3s

Indication: Severe arrhythmia-related events

Source: Diabetes Care, December 2011; 34:2515-2520

Research: Subjects in the study, a secondary analysis of the Alpha Omega Trial, consumed margarine supplemented with daily-recommended doses of omega 3 fatty acids (either 400 mg/day EPA-DHA, 2 grams/day ALA, a combination of all three, or placebo) over a 40-month period. The study included 1014 people with diabetes, ages 60-80, who had previously experienced a heart attack.

Results: The study found that all groups receiving additional amounts of these fatty acids experienced a lower incidence of events indicative of severe arrhythmias (sudden death, cardiac arrest and placement of cardioverter defibrillators), but only the group receiving a combined supplementation of all three fatty acids experienced a significantly (84%) lower incidence than those who received placebo. There was no significant reduction in fatal heart attacks among any of the groups. However, those who received all three fatty acids saw a significantly (72%) lower incidence, compared to those who took placebo, in the combined endpoint of fatal heart attacks and indicators of severe arrhythmias.