Is omega-3 worth taking?

What we can tell you today: how thoroughly this has been studied.

Thoroughly studied

8 studies, of which 3 bring together the results of several trials in people. This is as strong as evidence gets.

5 Repeated evidence 3 studies

4 Large controlled trial 5 studies

This says how thoroughly something has been studied — not whether it works for you. What each study actually found is in the study itself, and in the plain-language write-ups we are adding.

Appears under: Sleep, energy and the brain · Hair and nails · Menopause and hormones · Living longer in good health

The studies

5 Repeated evidence The Relationship of Omega-3 Fatty Acids with Dementia and Cognitive Decline: Evidence from Prospective Cohort Studies of Supplementation, Dietary Intake, and Blood Markers.
2023 · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 103,651 participants
5 Repeated evidence A meta-analysis of effects of vitamin E supplementation alone and in combination with omega-3 or magnesium on polycystic ovary syndrome.
2022 · Scientific reports · 504 participants
5 Repeated evidence Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake on Vasomotor Symptoms, Sleep Quality and Depression in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.
2023 · Nutrients
4 Large controlled trial Effect of long-term omega-3 supplementation and a lifestyle multidomain intervention on intrinsic capacity among community-dwelling older adults: Secondary analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (MAPT study).
2020 · Maturitas · 1,445 participants
4 Large controlled trial Impact of Fatty Acid Supplementation on Cognitive Performance among United States (US) Military Officers: The Ranger Resilience and Improved Performance on Phospholipid-Bound Omega-3's (RRIPP-3) Study.
2021 · Nutrients · 555 participants
4 Large controlled trial Effect of omega-3 and vitamin D co-supplementation on psychological distress in reproductive-aged women with pre-diabetes and hypovitaminosis D: A randomized controlled trial.
2021 · Brain and behavior · 168 participants
4 Large controlled trial Menopausal quality of life: RCT of yoga, exercise, and omega-3 supplements.
2014 · American journal of obstetrics and gynecology · 338 participants
4 Large controlled trial Omega-3 Supplementation for the Prevention of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: Does It Depend on Homocysteine Levels?
2022 · The journal of nutrition, health & aging · 1,680 participants