Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Caplet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Organic ashwagandha powder (root)(0.2% Withanolides, 0.76 mg)
380 mg
*
Organic ashwagandha extract (root)(0.5% Withanolides, 1.4 mg)
280 mg
*
Organic ashwagandha supercriticalCO2 extract (root) (Withania somnifera) (8% Withanolides, 0.8 mg)
10 mg
*
Top Medical Research Studies
9
DHA aids post-heart attack recovery
We explored the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on heart attack recovery in rats. The study aimed to understand how DHA, alongside eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can influence heart failure following myocardial infarction (MI).
Using several groups of rats experiencing moderate heart issues, we evaluated how these omega-3 fatty acids impacted heart function. We found that both DHA and EPA effectively curtailed the hypertrophic response in heart cells. This response is a significant factor in heart failure, where heart tissue thickens and hardens.
Notably, both DHA and EPA inhibited the activity of a histone acetyltransferase called p300. This activity is linked to molecular changes that promote heart cell enlargement and fibrosis. In our analysis, we observed that these fatty acids not only preserved cardiac function but also prevented structural changes common after a heart attack.
Overall, we noted that DHA had a comparable protective effect to EPA, significantly improving heart health and reducing fibrosis in the heart tissue. As such, the findings suggest that incorporating DHA could be a heart-friendly choice post-heart attack.
Using several groups of rats experiencing moderate heart issues, we evaluated how these omega-3 fatty acids impacted heart function. We found that both DHA and EPA effectively curtailed the hypertrophic response in heart cells. This response is a significant factor in heart failure, where heart tissue thickens and hardens.
Notably, both DHA and EPA inhibited the activity of a histone acetyltransferase called p300. This activity is linked to molecular changes that promote heart cell enlargement and fibrosis. In our analysis, we observed that these fatty acids not only preserved cardiac function but also prevented structural changes common after a heart attack.
Overall, we noted that DHA had a comparable protective effect to EPA, significantly improving heart health and reducing fibrosis in the heart tissue. As such, the findings suggest that incorporating DHA could be a heart-friendly choice post-heart attack.
Read More
9
DHA supports heart recovery post-MI
We investigated how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, influences recovery following a heart attack (MI) in the context of dietary fat intake. The study began by feeding mice with safflower oil (rich in omega-6 fatty acids) for 12 weeks, followed by DHA supplementation for another 8 weeks before inducing a heart attack.
Through this process, we observed that the early intake of safflower oil led to heightened inflammation, delaying the body’s ability to heal. However, when we supplemented with DHA, we noted a favorable shift. DHA increased the levels of specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) that help the body resolve inflammation. These mediators seemed to counteract the negative effects of safflower oil by enhancing mechanisms in both the heart and kidneys critical for recovery post-MI.
Additionally, DHA contributed to an increase in resolving macrophages, which play a vital role in repairing the heart, and it also elevated T regulatory cells in the heart tissue during chronic heart failure. This might suggest that transitioning from a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids to one rich in omega-3s like DHA could improve outcomes after heart attacks.
Overall, while excessive safflower oil intake worsens inflammation and affects heart recovery, DHA promotes a healthier resolving phase, supporting better heart and kidney function in the aftermath of a heart attack.
Through this process, we observed that the early intake of safflower oil led to heightened inflammation, delaying the body’s ability to heal. However, when we supplemented with DHA, we noted a favorable shift. DHA increased the levels of specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) that help the body resolve inflammation. These mediators seemed to counteract the negative effects of safflower oil by enhancing mechanisms in both the heart and kidneys critical for recovery post-MI.
Additionally, DHA contributed to an increase in resolving macrophages, which play a vital role in repairing the heart, and it also elevated T regulatory cells in the heart tissue during chronic heart failure. This might suggest that transitioning from a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids to one rich in omega-3s like DHA could improve outcomes after heart attacks.
Overall, while excessive safflower oil intake worsens inflammation and affects heart recovery, DHA promotes a healthier resolving phase, supporting better heart and kidney function in the aftermath of a heart attack.
Read More
9
We set out to explore how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a beneficial omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil and seaweed, might play a role in heart health, particularly after a heart attack. Our findings stemmed from experiments on both isolated heart cells under low oxygen conditions and live mice experiencing myocardial infarction (MI), which is the medical term for a heart attack.
The results were promising. We observed that DHA not only improved cell survival in stressed heart cells but also minimized damage in mice following a heart attack. Specifically, we noted a reduction in heart injury and a boost in heart function, highlighting DHA's potential as a protective agent.
Importantly, we found that DHA enhances autophagy—a natural process that cleans out damaged cells—by activating specific signaling pathways in the body. We established that in both our test models, the presence of DHA led to less cell death and richer heart function recovery. However, when we inhibited the autophagy process in experiments, the protective advantages of DHA were lost, underscoring its reliance on this cell-cleaning mechanism.
Our study indicates that DHA may serve as a valuable aid in healing the heart after a heart attack by promoting processes that protect against cell damage. Balancing scientific insight with real-world implications offers a promising avenue for heart health strategies, especially for those recovering from myocardial infarction.
The results were promising. We observed that DHA not only improved cell survival in stressed heart cells but also minimized damage in mice following a heart attack. Specifically, we noted a reduction in heart injury and a boost in heart function, highlighting DHA's potential as a protective agent.
Importantly, we found that DHA enhances autophagy—a natural process that cleans out damaged cells—by activating specific signaling pathways in the body. We established that in both our test models, the presence of DHA led to less cell death and richer heart function recovery. However, when we inhibited the autophagy process in experiments, the protective advantages of DHA were lost, underscoring its reliance on this cell-cleaning mechanism.
Our study indicates that DHA may serve as a valuable aid in healing the heart after a heart attack by promoting processes that protect against cell damage. Balancing scientific insight with real-world implications offers a promising avenue for heart health strategies, especially for those recovering from myocardial infarction.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Effective remedy
16 people found this helpful
This has had a strong effect. I faced excessive stress and heart palpitations, but after taking just 10 pills, I felt improvements. I will continue using the full bottle. I highly recommend trying it; you won't regret it.
Read More
9
Mood enhancement
11 people found this helpful
My depression improved significantly, increasing my motivation and stabilising my mood. Facing a lot of work was tough, but thanks to these supplements, I can now overcome my struggles. I found them so effective that I purchased another bottle.
Read More
10
Best for anxiety relief
1 people found this helpful
This is fantastic! I've completely stopped taking Ciprolex for panic attacks; it's been a lifesaver. I've been using it for three months and started on my second jar. I take one capsule each morning on an empty stomach.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.5
- All Researches
9
DHA aids post-heart attack recovery
We explored the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on heart attack recovery in rats. The study aimed to understand how DHA, alongside eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can influence heart failure following myocardial infarction (MI).
Using several groups of rats experiencing moderate heart issues, we evaluated how these omega-3 fatty acids impacted heart function. We found that both DHA and EPA effectively curtailed the hypertrophic response in heart cells. This response is a significant factor in heart failure, where heart tissue thickens and hardens.
Notably, both DHA and EPA inhibited the activity of a histone acetyltransferase called p300. This activity is linked to molecular changes that promote heart cell enlargement and fibrosis. In our analysis, we observed that these fatty acids not only preserved cardiac function but also prevented structural changes common after a heart attack.
Overall, we noted that DHA had a comparable protective effect to EPA, significantly improving heart health and reducing fibrosis in the heart tissue. As such, the findings suggest that incorporating DHA could be a heart-friendly choice post-heart attack.
Using several groups of rats experiencing moderate heart issues, we evaluated how these omega-3 fatty acids impacted heart function. We found that both DHA and EPA effectively curtailed the hypertrophic response in heart cells. This response is a significant factor in heart failure, where heart tissue thickens and hardens.
Notably, both DHA and EPA inhibited the activity of a histone acetyltransferase called p300. This activity is linked to molecular changes that promote heart cell enlargement and fibrosis. In our analysis, we observed that these fatty acids not only preserved cardiac function but also prevented structural changes common after a heart attack.
Overall, we noted that DHA had a comparable protective effect to EPA, significantly improving heart health and reducing fibrosis in the heart tissue. As such, the findings suggest that incorporating DHA could be a heart-friendly choice post-heart attack.
Read More
9
DHA supports heart recovery post-MI
We investigated how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, influences recovery following a heart attack (MI) in the context of dietary fat intake. The study began by feeding mice with safflower oil (rich in omega-6 fatty acids) for 12 weeks, followed by DHA supplementation for another 8 weeks before inducing a heart attack.
Through this process, we observed that the early intake of safflower oil led to heightened inflammation, delaying the body’s ability to heal. However, when we supplemented with DHA, we noted a favorable shift. DHA increased the levels of specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) that help the body resolve inflammation. These mediators seemed to counteract the negative effects of safflower oil by enhancing mechanisms in both the heart and kidneys critical for recovery post-MI.
Additionally, DHA contributed to an increase in resolving macrophages, which play a vital role in repairing the heart, and it also elevated T regulatory cells in the heart tissue during chronic heart failure. This might suggest that transitioning from a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids to one rich in omega-3s like DHA could improve outcomes after heart attacks.
Overall, while excessive safflower oil intake worsens inflammation and affects heart recovery, DHA promotes a healthier resolving phase, supporting better heart and kidney function in the aftermath of a heart attack.
Through this process, we observed that the early intake of safflower oil led to heightened inflammation, delaying the body’s ability to heal. However, when we supplemented with DHA, we noted a favorable shift. DHA increased the levels of specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) that help the body resolve inflammation. These mediators seemed to counteract the negative effects of safflower oil by enhancing mechanisms in both the heart and kidneys critical for recovery post-MI.
Additionally, DHA contributed to an increase in resolving macrophages, which play a vital role in repairing the heart, and it also elevated T regulatory cells in the heart tissue during chronic heart failure. This might suggest that transitioning from a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids to one rich in omega-3s like DHA could improve outcomes after heart attacks.
Overall, while excessive safflower oil intake worsens inflammation and affects heart recovery, DHA promotes a healthier resolving phase, supporting better heart and kidney function in the aftermath of a heart attack.
Read More
9
We set out to explore how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a beneficial omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil and seaweed, might play a role in heart health, particularly after a heart attack. Our findings stemmed from experiments on both isolated heart cells under low oxygen conditions and live mice experiencing myocardial infarction (MI), which is the medical term for a heart attack.
The results were promising. We observed that DHA not only improved cell survival in stressed heart cells but also minimized damage in mice following a heart attack. Specifically, we noted a reduction in heart injury and a boost in heart function, highlighting DHA's potential as a protective agent.
Importantly, we found that DHA enhances autophagy—a natural process that cleans out damaged cells—by activating specific signaling pathways in the body. We established that in both our test models, the presence of DHA led to less cell death and richer heart function recovery. However, when we inhibited the autophagy process in experiments, the protective advantages of DHA were lost, underscoring its reliance on this cell-cleaning mechanism.
Our study indicates that DHA may serve as a valuable aid in healing the heart after a heart attack by promoting processes that protect against cell damage. Balancing scientific insight with real-world implications offers a promising avenue for heart health strategies, especially for those recovering from myocardial infarction.
The results were promising. We observed that DHA not only improved cell survival in stressed heart cells but also minimized damage in mice following a heart attack. Specifically, we noted a reduction in heart injury and a boost in heart function, highlighting DHA's potential as a protective agent.
Importantly, we found that DHA enhances autophagy—a natural process that cleans out damaged cells—by activating specific signaling pathways in the body. We established that in both our test models, the presence of DHA led to less cell death and richer heart function recovery. However, when we inhibited the autophagy process in experiments, the protective advantages of DHA were lost, underscoring its reliance on this cell-cleaning mechanism.
Our study indicates that DHA may serve as a valuable aid in healing the heart after a heart attack by promoting processes that protect against cell damage. Balancing scientific insight with real-world implications offers a promising avenue for heart health strategies, especially for those recovering from myocardial infarction.
Read More
8
We examined the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, on the risk of heart attacks as part of a larger study called the VITAL trial. This extensive research involved nearly 26,000 older adults from the U.S. who were followed for an average of 5.3 years. While the initial findings from VITAL did not show significant results for major cardiovascular disease events, our re-analysis using Bayesian methods suggested a different perspective.
By incorporating evidence from previous studies, we found that daily supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, appears to substantially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease events. However, it is important to note that there was no observed benefit regarding stroke risk. This reinforces the idea that DHA may be particularly useful for preventing heart attacks but does not seem to impact strokes positively.
Overall, our results bolster the case for using omega-3 fatty acids in primary prevention strategies for coronary events. While we found promising results for heart attacks, we must remain cautious as these findings do not extend to strokes.
By incorporating evidence from previous studies, we found that daily supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, appears to substantially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease events. However, it is important to note that there was no observed benefit regarding stroke risk. This reinforces the idea that DHA may be particularly useful for preventing heart attacks but does not seem to impact strokes positively.
Overall, our results bolster the case for using omega-3 fatty acids in primary prevention strategies for coronary events. While we found promising results for heart attacks, we must remain cautious as these findings do not extend to strokes.
Read More
8
We explored the differences in metabolic patterns between plaque erosion (PE) and plaque rupture (PR) in patients experiencing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A total of 132 STEMI patients participated in our study, where we analyzed their plasma samples using advanced liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.
Our findings revealed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), along with salicylic acid and proline, could serve as valuable non-invasive biomarkers for distinguishing between PE and PR. Specifically, DHA showed promising results in our analyses, with area under the curve values of 0.81 and 0.75 in the training and test samples, respectively. This indicates that DHA could potentially play a key role in identifying the type of plaque involvement in heart attacks.
The implications of our research underscore the importance of further understanding how DHA and these other metabolites may influence outcomes in heart attack scenarios. As we continue to investigate these metabolic patterns, DHA may emerge as a significant factor in both the diagnosis and management of STEMI patients.
Our findings revealed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), along with salicylic acid and proline, could serve as valuable non-invasive biomarkers for distinguishing between PE and PR. Specifically, DHA showed promising results in our analyses, with area under the curve values of 0.81 and 0.75 in the training and test samples, respectively. This indicates that DHA could potentially play a key role in identifying the type of plaque involvement in heart attacks.
The implications of our research underscore the importance of further understanding how DHA and these other metabolites may influence outcomes in heart attack scenarios. As we continue to investigate these metabolic patterns, DHA may emerge as a significant factor in both the diagnosis and management of STEMI patients.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Effective remedy
16 people found this helpful
This has had a strong effect. I faced excessive stress and heart palpitations, but after taking just 10 pills, I felt improvements. I will continue using the full bottle. I highly recommend trying it; you won't regret it.
Read More
9
Mood enhancement
11 people found this helpful
My depression improved significantly, increasing my motivation and stabilising my mood. Facing a lot of work was tough, but thanks to these supplements, I can now overcome my struggles. I found them so effective that I purchased another bottle.
Read More
10
Best for anxiety relief
1 people found this helpful
This is fantastic! I've completely stopped taking Ciprolex for panic attacks; it's been a lifesaver. I've been using it for three months and started on my second jar. I take one capsule each morning on an empty stomach.
Read More
9
Calming effect
A geneticist-metabolist recommended this product to me, and the quality is superb. Ashwagandha acts as an adaptogen, normalising one's state and improving mood. It greatly helps me with panic attacks, acting as a sedative without dulling my reactions. The taste resembles instant coffee, and while it’s larger in size, I highly recommend this supplement!
Read More
2
No effect noted
2 people found this helpful
Though the quality is good, it didn’t help with my panic attacks. It fails to relieve stress or improve my mood, and the gelatin capsule taste isn't pleasant.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Boosted mood significantly
1 people found this helpful
This is a very positive product. I observed results after just a week of use. I take it in the mornings to maintain a clear heart, and my mood throughout the day is significantly uplifted.
9
Effective remedy
16 people found this helpful
This has had a strong effect. I faced excessive stress and heart palpitations, but after taking just 10 pills, I felt improvements. I will continue using the full bottle. I highly recommend trying it; you won't regret it.
0
Stopped usage
I had to discontinue use due to heart palpitations.
9
Mood enhancement
11 people found this helpful
My depression improved significantly, increasing my motivation and stabilising my mood. Facing a lot of work was tough, but thanks to these supplements, I can now overcome my struggles. I found them so effective that I purchased another bottle.
10
Best for anxiety relief
1 people found this helpful
This is fantastic! I've completely stopped taking Ciprolex for panic attacks; it's been a lifesaver. I've been using it for three months and started on my second jar. I take one capsule each morning on an empty stomach.
2
No effect noted
2 people found this helpful
Though the quality is good, it didn’t help with my panic attacks. It fails to relieve stress or improve my mood, and the gelatin capsule taste isn't pleasant.
6
Enhanced focus
5 people found this helpful
I take one tablet to maintain stability and two tablets when I need to concentrate. If I feel unwell, I take four tablets. My heart feels comfortable, allowing me to concentrate better, and I experience fewer negative thoughts.
9
Calming effect
A geneticist-metabolist recommended this product to me, and the quality is superb. Ashwagandha acts as an adaptogen, normalising one's state and improving mood. It greatly helps me with panic attacks, acting as a sedative without dulling my reactions. The taste resembles instant coffee, and while it’s larger in size, I highly recommend this supplement!
8
We examined the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, on the risk of heart attacks as part of a larger study called the VITAL trial. This extensive research involved nearly 26,000 older adults from the U.S. who were followed for an average of 5.3 years. While the initial findings from VITAL did not show significant results for major cardiovascular disease events, our re-analysis using Bayesian methods suggested a different perspective.
By incorporating evidence from previous studies, we found that daily supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, appears to substantially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease events. However, it is important to note that there was no observed benefit regarding stroke risk. This reinforces the idea that DHA may be particularly useful for preventing heart attacks but does not seem to impact strokes positively.
Overall, our results bolster the case for using omega-3 fatty acids in primary prevention strategies for coronary events. While we found promising results for heart attacks, we must remain cautious as these findings do not extend to strokes.
By incorporating evidence from previous studies, we found that daily supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, appears to substantially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease events. However, it is important to note that there was no observed benefit regarding stroke risk. This reinforces the idea that DHA may be particularly useful for preventing heart attacks but does not seem to impact strokes positively.
Overall, our results bolster the case for using omega-3 fatty acids in primary prevention strategies for coronary events. While we found promising results for heart attacks, we must remain cautious as these findings do not extend to strokes.
7
We aimed to understand how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) treatment influences the risk of heart attacks among individuals at risk for cardiovascular events. The research involved analyzing data from eighteen randomized controlled trials, which collectively included over 134,000 participants. These trials compared the effects of different omega-3 fatty acid combinations, including DHA alone, against control groups.
Overall, we found that omega-3 supplementation, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) combined with DHA, significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks. However, when it comes to DHA alone, the results were not as clear-cut. While DHA is often included in omega-3 formulations, its isolated impact on heart attack risk wasn’t explicitly determined in the trials.
Interestingly, participants who received EPA showed an even greater reduction in the risk of revascularization and other cardiovascular outcomes compared to those who received the combination with DHA. This suggests that while DHA has its benefits, EPA seems to take the lead in providing protective effects against heart attacks.
The overall findings encourage further exploration of the individual roles of these omega-3 fatty acids, particularly in relation to heart health, to clarify if and how they might specifically contribute to lowering heart attack risks in different populations.
Overall, we found that omega-3 supplementation, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) combined with DHA, significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks. However, when it comes to DHA alone, the results were not as clear-cut. While DHA is often included in omega-3 formulations, its isolated impact on heart attack risk wasn’t explicitly determined in the trials.
Interestingly, participants who received EPA showed an even greater reduction in the risk of revascularization and other cardiovascular outcomes compared to those who received the combination with DHA. This suggests that while DHA has its benefits, EPA seems to take the lead in providing protective effects against heart attacks.
The overall findings encourage further exploration of the individual roles of these omega-3 fatty acids, particularly in relation to heart health, to clarify if and how they might specifically contribute to lowering heart attack risks in different populations.
4
We set out to understand how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) impacts the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks. In our study, we analyzed data from nearly 1,000 people who had undergone coronary angiography to measure levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA in their blood.
Our findings revealed that while higher levels of EPA were linked to a decreased risk of major cardiovascular events, DHA did not show a similar benefit. In fact, when higher levels of DHA were present alongside low levels of EPA, the protective effect of EPA seemed to diminish, leading to a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Interestingly, our analysis indicated that having a balanced EPA/DHA ratio was associated with better long-term heart health outcomes. Overall, this suggests that simply increasing DHA may not help, and it could even interfere with the protective benefits of EPA when EPA levels are low.
Our study helps clarify the complex relationship between these omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular health, especially in light of mixed findings in previous research about combined EPA and DHA supplementation.
Our findings revealed that while higher levels of EPA were linked to a decreased risk of major cardiovascular events, DHA did not show a similar benefit. In fact, when higher levels of DHA were present alongside low levels of EPA, the protective effect of EPA seemed to diminish, leading to a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Interestingly, our analysis indicated that having a balanced EPA/DHA ratio was associated with better long-term heart health outcomes. Overall, this suggests that simply increasing DHA may not help, and it could even interfere with the protective benefits of EPA when EPA levels are low.
Our study helps clarify the complex relationship between these omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular health, especially in light of mixed findings in previous research about combined EPA and DHA supplementation.
9
We set out to explore how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a beneficial omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil and seaweed, might play a role in heart health, particularly after a heart attack. Our findings stemmed from experiments on both isolated heart cells under low oxygen conditions and live mice experiencing myocardial infarction (MI), which is the medical term for a heart attack.
The results were promising. We observed that DHA not only improved cell survival in stressed heart cells but also minimized damage in mice following a heart attack. Specifically, we noted a reduction in heart injury and a boost in heart function, highlighting DHA's potential as a protective agent.
Importantly, we found that DHA enhances autophagy—a natural process that cleans out damaged cells—by activating specific signaling pathways in the body. We established that in both our test models, the presence of DHA led to less cell death and richer heart function recovery. However, when we inhibited the autophagy process in experiments, the protective advantages of DHA were lost, underscoring its reliance on this cell-cleaning mechanism.
Our study indicates that DHA may serve as a valuable aid in healing the heart after a heart attack by promoting processes that protect against cell damage. Balancing scientific insight with real-world implications offers a promising avenue for heart health strategies, especially for those recovering from myocardial infarction.
The results were promising. We observed that DHA not only improved cell survival in stressed heart cells but also minimized damage in mice following a heart attack. Specifically, we noted a reduction in heart injury and a boost in heart function, highlighting DHA's potential as a protective agent.
Importantly, we found that DHA enhances autophagy—a natural process that cleans out damaged cells—by activating specific signaling pathways in the body. We established that in both our test models, the presence of DHA led to less cell death and richer heart function recovery. However, when we inhibited the autophagy process in experiments, the protective advantages of DHA were lost, underscoring its reliance on this cell-cleaning mechanism.
Our study indicates that DHA may serve as a valuable aid in healing the heart after a heart attack by promoting processes that protect against cell damage. Balancing scientific insight with real-world implications offers a promising avenue for heart health strategies, especially for those recovering from myocardial infarction.
7
DHA's unclear role in heart health
We set out to understand how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) influences the risk of heart attack, particularly in elderly patients who recently experienced an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In the OMEMI trial, participants were divided into two groups—those receiving a daily supplement of 1.8 grams of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, and a control group receiving corn oil for two years.
While we noticed increases in both EPA and DHA levels among those taking the supplements, evidence pointing to DHA's specific effects on heart attack risk was not robust. In fact, our findings indicated that greater increases in EPA were linked to a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), while DHA's association with these events, compared to EPA, was less clear and not statistically significant.
This suggests that DHA alone may not provide the definitive cardiovascular protection we hoped for. Overall, while DHA's role remains to be fully elucidated, the benefits of increasing EPA levels appeared more pronounced in reducing heart attack risks.
While we noticed increases in both EPA and DHA levels among those taking the supplements, evidence pointing to DHA's specific effects on heart attack risk was not robust. In fact, our findings indicated that greater increases in EPA were linked to a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), while DHA's association with these events, compared to EPA, was less clear and not statistically significant.
This suggests that DHA alone may not provide the definitive cardiovascular protection we hoped for. Overall, while DHA's role remains to be fully elucidated, the benefits of increasing EPA levels appeared more pronounced in reducing heart attack risks.
8
We explored the impact of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a key omega-3 fatty acid, on heart attack prevention through the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL). This large-scale study involved 25,871 adults in the U.S. aged 50 or older and looked at the effects of DHA when taken alongside eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in a daily dosage of 1 gram versus a placebo of olive oil over a median period of 5.3 years.
While the overarching goal was to reduce major cardiovascular events, our findings revealed that DHA did not significantly lower the primary end result we were looking for, which includes heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths. However, the results did show promising signs in specific areas. Notably, DHA supplementation led to a significant reduction in total heart attacks and fatal heart attacks, alongside fewer hospitalizations for recurrent heart failure.
What stood out was that African American participants experienced the most significant benefits, indicating that certain groups may respond differently to DHA treatment. Overall, as we analyze VITAL and additional research on omega-3 fatty acids, there is some evidence suggesting a reduction in heart attack risks, even though stroke risks did not show a similar pattern. More research is, however, needed to fully grasp who can best benefit from these omega-3s.
While the overarching goal was to reduce major cardiovascular events, our findings revealed that DHA did not significantly lower the primary end result we were looking for, which includes heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths. However, the results did show promising signs in specific areas. Notably, DHA supplementation led to a significant reduction in total heart attacks and fatal heart attacks, alongside fewer hospitalizations for recurrent heart failure.
What stood out was that African American participants experienced the most significant benefits, indicating that certain groups may respond differently to DHA treatment. Overall, as we analyze VITAL and additional research on omega-3 fatty acids, there is some evidence suggesting a reduction in heart attack risks, even though stroke risks did not show a similar pattern. More research is, however, needed to fully grasp who can best benefit from these omega-3s.
References
- Hamaya R, Cook NR, Sesso HD, Buring JE, Manson JE. A Bayesian Analysis of the VITAL Trial: Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Cardiovascular Events. Am J Clin Nutr. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.02.028
- Dinu M, Sofi F, Lotti S, Colombini B, Mattioli AV, et al. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary revascularization and cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2024;31:1863. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwae184
- Le VT, Knight S, Watrous JD, Najhawan M, Dao K, et al. Higher docosahexaenoic acid levels lower the protective impact of eicosapentaenoic acid on long-term major cardiovascular events. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2023;10:1229130. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2023.1229130
- Luo X, Liu M, Wang S, Chen Y, Bao X, et al. Combining metabolomics and OCT to reveal plasma metabolic profiling and biomarkers of plaque erosion and plaque rupture in STEMI patients. Int J Cardiol. 2023;390:131223. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131223
- Myhre PL, Berge T, Kalstad AA, Tveit SH, Laake K, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and risk of atrial fibrillation and 'micro-atrial fibrillation': A secondary analysis from the OMEMI trial. Clin Nutr. 2023;42:1657. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2023.07.002
- Chiusolo S, Bork CS, Gentile F, Lundbye-Christensen S, Harris WS, et al. Adipose tissue n-3/n-6 fatty acids ratios versus n-3 fatty acids fractions as predictors of myocardial infarction. Am Heart J. 2023;262:38. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2023.03.019
- Bork CS, Lundbye-Christensen S, Venø SK, Lasota AN, Tjønneland A, et al. Intake of marine and plant-derived n-3 fatty acids and development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort. Eur J Nutr. 2023;62:1389. doi:10.1007/s00394-022-03081-w
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