We aimed to understand how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a form of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), could benefit patients suffering from heart failure. Our investigation drew on a network meta-analysis that included data from 14 randomized controlled trials, comprising 9,075 participants. This analysis focused particularly on the effects of DHA and other omega-3s on heart health metrics.
The findings revealed that high doses of omega-3 PUFA supplementation, specifically between 2000 to 4000 mg daily for at least one year, significantly improved heart function. We observed notable enhancements in the left ventricular ejection fraction and peak oxygen consumption, crucial indicators of heart performance, when compared to control groups.
Interestingly, lower doses and shorter periods of supplementation did not yield the same positive results. Importantly, we found no significant increase in dropout rates or overall mortality among those taking omega-3 PUFAs compared to those who were not. This suggests that high-dose DHA supplementation can enhance cardiac function without raising safety concerns.
Overall, our research indicates that long-term, high-dose DHA can be a beneficial strategy in managing heart failure. However, we recognize that further well-designed trials with stringent criteria are needed to validate these findings fully.