Dietary fish oil and blood lipids

Triglyceride lowering is the most consistent effect of fish oils, having been observed in Greenland Eskimos and subsequently in controlled clinical trials. Although total cholesterol levels are not altered, LDL levels may rise, especially in hypertriglyceridemic patients. The persistence of the hypotriglyceridemic effect has been documented in two recent trials following large numbers of patients for 6-9 months. These studies also provided evidence that the LDL raising effect may not persist. The safety of fish oils was also supported in these studies because problems with excessive bleeding and worsening glycemic control did not materialize. However, in one of these studies fish oils proved ineffective in slowing the rate of restenosis after coronary angioplasty.