Thorne Advanced DHA Review
Tier ⓘ
Tier 4 · Rank 8
Tier 4 · Emerging. A promising mechanism or animal data, with thin human evidence so far. Rank 8 within Tier 4 for Cholesterol; 36 of 37 overall. Tiers run from 1, the strongest evidence, to 5. How we grade →
Evidence ⓘ
15 /100
How strongly the evidence says this product works: human studies count most, then real reviews, then our biohacker panel.
Biohacker Mentions
0 of 10
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only112 human studies · 52 improved
112 human studies52 improved25 no effect1,451,587 people studied
For cholesterol, the main ingredients here are omega-3 fats and docosahexaenoic acid, both near the doses used in studies when taken as directed. Large reviews of many long trials found omega-3 lowers triglycerides, a blood fat, by about 15 percent, with little or no effect on other blood fats [1][2]. Another large review found triglycerides and non-good cholesterol fell, most clearly above 2 grams a day, which is more than this product gives [3]. Fish-based omega-3 also slightly raised good cholesterol [4]. However, bad cholesterol often went up: an older review found a rise of 6 points [5], a 3-year trial in older adults taking 1 gram a day saw bad and total cholesterol rise [6], and in vegetarians taking about 1 gram of docosahexaenoic acid a day, total, bad and good cholesterol all rose while triglycerides fell 23 percent [7]. Bad cholesterol also rose at low doses in a 2025 review [8]. The eicosapentaenoic acid here is only 200 milligrams, far below the 4 grams that lowered leftover cholesterol in trials [9]. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 112 studies →Hide the studies
- Across 53 placebo-controlled trials of lipid-lowering drugs (171,668 people in all), omega-3 fatty acids lowered the blood inflammation marker CRP by a small amount (0.27 mg/L); this was not a cholesterol result.Effect of lipid-lowering therapies on C-reactive protein levels: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled …
- In 86 trials lasting at least a year (162,796 adults), more long-chain omega-3 lowered triglycerides by about 15% in a dose-dependent way, with little or no effect on other blood fats.Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
- In 17 trials with about 141,000 patients, this analysis looked at heart events rather than cholesterol; it reported no cholesterol results, and combined EPA+DHA lowered cardiovascular death compared with usual care.Eicosapentaenoic Acid for Cardiovascular Events Reduction- Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Con…
- In 79 trials lasting at least a year (112,059 adults), fish-based omega-3 slightly lowered triglycerides and raised HDL cholesterol, while plant omega-3 probably lowered HDL.Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
- In 79 trials lasting at least a year (112,059 adults), more long-chain omega-3 lowered triglycerides by about 15% in a dose-dependent way but did not change other blood fats.Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
- In 90 trials (72,598 people), omega-3 intake lowered triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol in a near-linear way, most clearly above 2 grams a day, with J-shaped curves for LDL and HDL cholesterol.Association Between Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Dyslipidemia: A Continuous Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized C…
- In 21 trials (about 1,950 adults with metabolic syndrome features), marine omega-3 cut triglycerides substantially, especially above 2,000 mg a day, but LDL cholesterol rose at low doses.Marine-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled …
- In 30 trials with 1,368 people, diets with a low omega-6 to omega-3 ratio lowered triglycerides and raised HDL cholesterol, with EPA and DHA showing the clearer effects on both.Effect of low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA on blood lipid level: a meta-analysis.
- In 18 trials with 1,018 people with rheumatoid arthritis, omega-3 supplements lowered triglycerides and raised blood EPA and DHA levels.Effects of omega-3 supplementation on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a me…
- Across 21 trials, fish oil lowered triglycerides by 27 mg/dL and raised HDL by 1.6 mg/dL, but it also raised LDL cholesterol by 6 mg/dL and did not change total cholesterol.Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on serum markers of cardiovascular disease risk: a systematic review.
- In a review of 12 controlled trials of diet changes led by dietitians in people with kidney disease, a diet high in omega-3 fats improved blood fat levels in kidney transplant recipients.Dietary interventions with dietitian involvement in adults with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review.
- In a review of 21 studies in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, omega-3 supplements lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides and raised HDL cholesterol, with some studies showing lower inflammation at 12 weeks.Omega-3 supplementation in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - a review of clinical trials and cohort.
- An umbrella review of 28 meta-analyses of trials in women with polycystic ovary syndrome found omega-3 lowered triglycerides, with moderate certainty.Effects of nutrition on metabolic and endocrine outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an umbrella review of …
- In a review of 14 trials in people with lupus, omega-3 supplements lowered inflammation and oxidative stress and improved blood fat levels and blood vessel function.Diet and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): From Supplementation to Intervention.
- Across 17 trials in people with metabolic syndrome, omega-3 doses above 1 g for at least 3 months lowered triglycerides by 7% to 25%, but doses of 3 g a day or more may raise LDL cholesterol and no clear effects were seen on other markers.The effect of EPA and DHA on metabolic syndrome patients: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
- In 61 trials, marine omega-3 oils lowered triglycerides and raised HDL cholesterol but also slightly raised LDL cholesterol, and purified DHA had no effect on LDL cholesterol or blood pressure.Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: An Updated Systematic Review.
- This broad review of non-a med lipid drugs notes icosapent ethyl is approved as a triglyceride-lowering add-on to meds, but gives no EPA-specific cholesterol numbers.Read the study on PubMed (33836639) →
- In 13,078 a med-treated people at high heart risk, 4 grams a day of omega-3 compared with corn oil did not reduce major heart events (12.0% vs 12.2%) and caused more stomach side effects.Effect of High-Dose Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs Corn Oil on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients at High Cardiovas…
- In 8,179 a med-treated people with high triglycerides, 4 grams a day of icosapent ethyl for a median of 4.9 years reduced total heart events by 30% versus placebo; cholesterol changes were not reported.Effects of Icosapent Ethyl on Total Ischemic Events: From REDUCE-IT.
- In 2157 adults aged 70 and older, 1 gram a day of omega-3 for 3 years raised HDL and total, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol and lowered triglycerides versus placebo, with no reduction in heart events.Effects of vitamin D, omega-3 and a simple strength exercise programme in cardiovascular disease prevention: The DO-HEAL…
- In 1,446 people with heart failure, icosapent ethyl lowered triglycerides by a median of 15.4% and inflammation (hs-CRP) by 35.1% compared with placebo over 2 years.Impact of Icosapent Ethyl on Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Patients With Heart Failure in REDUCE-IT.
- In 881 elderly heart attack survivors given 1.8 g of EPA and DHA daily for 2 years, higher EPA levels were linked to fewer major cardiovascular events but more atrial fibrillation, and rising levels were linked to lower triglycerides and higher HDL cholesterol.Changes in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and risk of cardiovascular events and atrial fibrillation: A s…
- In 520 people with severe high triglycerides, 4 g daily of krill oil omega-3 for 26 weeks lowered triglycerides versus placebo but did not meaningfully change HDL or LDL cholesterol at 12 weeks, and only a small non-HDL cholesterol drop appeared at 26 weeks.Effectiveness of a Novel ω-3 Krill Oil Agent in Patients With Severe Hypertriglyceridemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
- In two 12-week trials of adults with high triglycerides, 4 grams a day of icosapent ethyl lowered remnant cholesterol by about 26 to 30% versus placebo.Icosapent ethyl (eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester): Effects on remnant-like particle cholesterol from the MARINE and AN…
- In 309 Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes and high triglycerides, 4 g daily of fish oil for 12 weeks lowered triglycerides more than corn oil placebo, with the response varying by gut microbiome profile.Impact of omega-3 fatty acids on hypertriglyceridemia, lipidomics, and gut microbiome in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- In 259 older adults with memory complaints, a daily DHA-rich fish oil and cocoa supplement for 12 months lowered triglycerides and raised the HDL-to-total cholesterol ratio compared with placebo, though it did not improve memory.A combined DHA-rich fish oil and cocoa flavanols intervention does not improve cognition or brain structure in older adu…
- In 218 people with coronary artery disease on meds, 3.36 g daily of EPA and DHA for 30 months prevented coronary plaque growth in non-diabetic people who reached a blood omega-3 index of at least 4 percent, but not in diabetic people.Read the study on PubMed (31055222) →
- In 214 patients with carotid narrowing taking a multi-ingredient supplement with fish oil (EPA and DHA) for 30 days before surgery, plaques had less cholesterol and lipid content than with placebo, and fewer neurological symptoms occurred.Aterofisiol(®) in carotid plaque evolution.
- In 190 adults at increased heart risk, fish oil for 28 days did not lower LDL cholesterol more than placebo, while a med did.Read the study on PubMed (36351465) →
- In 162 people on dialysis for kidney failure, 1.7 g a day of seafood omega-3 for 3 months, compared with placebo, did not change adiponectin levels, a blood marker linked to heart and metabolic health.n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and adiponectin in patients with end-stage renal disease.
- In 153 adults with mildly high triglycerides, six weeks of DHA-enriched eggs lowered triglycerides about as much as ordinary eggs but raised LDL cholesterol more.Lipid responses in mildly hypertriglyceridemic men and women to consumption of docosahexaenoic acid-enriched eggs.
- In 124 elderly adults, 1 gram a day of fish oil (120 mg DHA) for 6 months did not significantly change cholesterol levels, though it prevented the triglyceride rise seen in the placebo group.The effects of low dose n-3 fatty acids on serum lipid profiles and insulin resistance of the elderly: a randomized cont…
- In 114 normal-cholesterol vegetarians, 940 mg of algae-derived docosahexaenoic acid daily for 8 weeks lowered triglycerides by 23 percent compared with olive oil placebo, but total, low-density and high-density cholesterol all rose.Microalgal docosahexaenoic acid decreases plasma triacylglycerol in normolipidaemic vegetarians: a randomised trial.
- In healthy adults over 65, 4 grams a day of krill oil for six months increased muscle strength and muscle size compared with placebo, but had no effect on other secondary outcomes including blood lipids.The effect of krill oil supplementation on skeletal muscle function and size in older adults: A randomised controlled tr…
- In 93 adults with high triglycerides, 14 weeks of microalgal DHA and EPA oil lowered triglycerides by 18.9% compared with a 3.5% rise on control, but LDL cholesterol rose 4.6% and HDL cholesterol rose 4.3%.A new, microalgal DHA- and EPA-containing oil lowers triacylglycerols in adults with mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridem…
- In 83 healthy 9-month-old infants, 5 mL of fish oil daily for 3 months raised total and low-density cholesterol compared with no fish oil, although it also lowered systolic blood pressure.Fish oil affects blood pressure and the plasma lipid profile in healthy Danish infants.
- In 79 adults with impaired fasting glucose, eating fatty fish four times a week for 12 weeks did not improve cholesterol compared with the other groups, while camelina oil did.Camelina Sativa Oil, but not Fatty Fish or Lean Fish, Improves Serum Lipid Profile in Subjects with Impaired Glucose Met…
- In 74 healthy adults, 2.3 grams a day of DHA for six weeks raised HDL cholesterol and lowered triglycerides, while total and LDL cholesterol did not change.Dietary alpha-linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA have differential effects on LDL fatty acid composition but similar effects o…
- In 73 adults with abdominal obesity, 2 g a day of DHA-enriched fish oil for 12 weeks lowered fasting insulin and insulin resistance compared with corn oil; the abstract did not report cholesterol results.DHA-enriched fish oil reduces insulin resistance in overweight and obese adults.
- In males with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, high-dose docosahexaenoic acid for four years did not change blood cholesterol levels compared with placebo, and side effects were mostly mild stomach upset.Safety assessment of docosahexaenoic acid in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa: the 4-year DHAX trial.
- In 55 men with an atherogenic lipid pattern, 3 grams of fish oil daily for 6 weeks cut fasting triglycerides by 35% and a type of small dense low-density cholesterol by 26% versus olive oil placebo, with no change in HDL cholesterol, though total cholesterol rose in carriers of the apoE4 gene variant.ApoE polymorphism and fish oil supplementation in subjects with an atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype.
- In 55 men with mildly high triglycerides, 6 grams of fish oil (3 grams EPA plus DHA) daily for 6 weeks lowered triglycerides and a type of small dense low-density cholesterol, but raised overall low-density cholesterol compared with olive oil placebo.Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid from fish oils: differential associations with lipid responses.
- In 53 adults with mildly high triglycerides, 3 grams daily of omega-3-enriched yoghurt for 10 weeks lowered triglycerides and raised HDL cholesterol compared with control yoghurt.Randomized placebo-controlled intervention with n-3 LC-PUFA-supplemented yoghurt: effects on circulating eicosanoids and…
- In 50 adults with fatty liver disease from inflammation, taking a flaxseed and fish oil capsule blend for 6 months lowered triglycerides after 3 months compared with baseline, but the blend did not clearly change liver scores compared with placebo, and placebo users also had higher fish fats in their blood.Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-contr…
- In 50 patients with plaque in stented arteries, 1800 mg EPA a day plus a med 10 mg for one year lowered LDL cholesterol from 89 to 70 mg/dL, while it did not change on low-dose a med alone, though the effect cannot be separated from the higher a med dose.Read the study on PubMed (31334703) →
- In 48 people, 4 weeks of fish oil at 3.5 to 10.6 grams a day lowered triglycerides in a dose-dependent way versus placebo, but did not lower lipoprotein(a).Fish oil treatment and apolipoprotein(a).
- In 45 healthy men, fish oil ethyl esters at 1.5, 3, or 6 grams daily for 12 weeks lowered blood triglycerides and raised one type of protective cholesterol (HDL2), but did not change total, low-density, or very-low-density cholesterol.Dose-response effects of fish-oil supplementation in healthy volunteers.
- In healthy older adults taking 3.9 grams a day of omega-3 for 6 months, large low-density cholesterol particles fell about 17-18% compared with placebo, while small dense particles rose, and the cholesterol carried in large HDL particles rose 32%.A Randomized Trial of ω-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and Circulating Lipoprotein Subclasses in Healthy Older Adults.
- In 44 people with high cholesterol on meds, 4 g per day of EPA and DHA for 8 weeks lowered small dense LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol more than olive oil placebo, though LDL cholesterol itself did not differ.Read the study on PubMed (36050695) →
- In people with Chagas heart disease, 1.2 grams a day of docosahexaenoic acid plus 1.8 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid for eight weeks lowered blood triglycerides more than corn oil and improved an anti-inflammatory marker, interleukin 10.Omega-3 supplementation on inflammatory markers in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: a randomized clinical st…
- In 40 women with polycystic ovary syndrome taking 1000 mg of fish oil twice daily for 12 weeks, inflammation-related gene activity fell compared with placebo, but LDL receptor gene activity did not change.The effects of fish oil on gene expression in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
- In 40 healthy volunteers, 4 grams of docosahexaenoic acid daily for 30 days was less effective than eicosapentaenoic acid at reducing vascular inflammation markers, and the abstract reports no clear benefit for docosahexaenoic acid.Omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate vascular inflammation: A rationale for their atheroprotective effects.
- In 34 middle-aged men with high triglycerides, 3 grams of DHA daily for 90 days lowered fasting triglycerides and small dense low-density particles, but raised overall low-density cholesterol compared with olive oil placebo.Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation improves fasting and postprandial lipid profiles in hypertriglyceridemic men.
- In 34 people with inherited high cholesterol taking meds, 4 g of omega-3 daily for 3 months lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides more than olive oil placebo.Effect of N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Lipid Composition in Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Randomized Crossover …
- In people with leg pain from poor circulation, 3 grams a day of fish oil for 4 months raised HDL cholesterol and lowered triglycerides more than corn oil did, though walking distance did not improve.Fish oil supplementation in patients with stable claudication.
- In women starting chemotherapy for breast cancer, 4 grams a day of fish oil for 60 days kept HDL cholesterol steady while it fell in the untreated group, and lowered blood triglycerides compared with the control group.Fish Oil Supplementation Enhances Pulmonary Strength and Endurance in Women Undergoing Chemotherapy.
- In 31 people with metabolic syndrome, 4 g daily of prescription omega-3 fatty acids for 16 weeks partly corrected abnormal inflammatory fat signaling molecules carried in VLDL, LDL and HDL cholesterol particles.Abnormal lipoprotein oxylipins in metabolic syndrome and partial correction by omega-3 fatty acids.
- In 31 healthy men, seven weeks of fish oil taken as ethyl ester or triglyceride did not change total cholesterol or triglycerides differently between the two forms.Comparative effects of prolonged intake of highly purified fish oils as ethyl ester or triglyceride on lipids, haemostas…
- In 30 South Asians with dyslipidemia, adding 4 g of omega-3 fatty acids to a med for 8 weeks lowered LDL cholesterol from 116 to 88 mg/dl and triglycerides from 139 to 91 mg/dl.Read the study on PubMed (19337557) →
- In 30 non-diabetic patients with coronary artery disease taking 4 g of omega-3 fatty acids daily for 3 weeks, fasting triglycerides fell from 137 to 112 mg/dl and the post-meal triglyceride peak was reduced.Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on postprandial triglycerides and monocyte activation.
- In 30 elderly bedridden people with type 2 diabetes on a liquid diet, an EPA/DHA-rich diet for 3 months lowered fasting blood sugar, HbA1c and apolipoprotein B compared with a diet lacking these fats.Eicosapentaenoic acid improves glycemic control in elderly bedridden patients with type 2 diabetes.
- In 30 pregnant women, aerobic exercise from mid-pregnancy to delivery lowered blood triglycerides late in pregnancy, while blood omega-3 levels had no measurable effect on cholesterol or triglycerides.The Influence of Maternal Aerobic Exercise, Blood DHA and EPA Concentrations on Maternal Lipid Profiles.
- In 30 active young men, 3150 mg a day of omega-3 (EPA and DHA) plus strength training for 8 weeks lowered LDL and triglycerides and raised HDL more than strength training alone.The Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation Combined with Strength Training on Neuro-Biomarkers, Inflammatory and Antioxidant…
- In 29 people with type 1 diabetes and kidney disease, 4.6 grams a day of fish oil for 1 year lowered triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol versus olive oil placebo, but raised total and LDL cholesterol.Fish oil in diabetic nephropathy.
- In men with high blood pressure, 5 grams a day of fish oil for 30 days raised total cholesterol by 8%, low-density cholesterol by 19%, and apolipoprotein B by 18%, an atherogenic pattern not seen in normotensive men.Fish oil produces an atherogenic lipid profile in hypertensive men.
- In 20 healthy adults taking 5 grams of fish oil daily for 3 weeks, triglycerides fell 18% compared with olive oil placebo, while in 6 patients with high triglycerides taking it for 4 weeks, triglycerides fell 35% but low-density cholesterol rose 25%.Influence of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on the endogenous activities of plasma lipases.
- In 25 teenagers with high triglycerides, about 3360 mg a day of prescription omega-3 capsules for 6 months lowered triglycerides, but the drop was not significantly larger than with placebo.Using high-dose omega-3 fatty acid supplements to lower triglyceride levels in 10- to 19-year-olds.
- In 25 postmenopausal vegetarian women, 2.14 grams of DHA daily for 6 weeks lowered total cholesterol compared with corn oil, with no change in LDL or HDL cholesterol or triglycerides.Effects of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on blood lipids, estrogen metabolism, and in vivo oxidative stress in po…
- In 24 healthy young adults with normal cholesterol, taking 1.5 to 1.8 grams of fish oil rich in omega-3 fat for 13 weeks did not change total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, or triglycerides compared with a control oil.Docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil does not affect serum lipid concentrations of normolipidemic young adults.
- In 24 adults with type 2 diabetes, 1800 mg a day of EPA ethyl ester for 8 weeks raised LDL cholesterol without changing triglycerides; the 900 mg dose showed no cholesterol change.Effects of low-dose EPA-E on glycemic control, lipid profile, lipoprotein(a), platelet aggregation, viscosity, and plate…
- In 21 older adults with low-grade inflammation, 3 g daily of pure EPA or pure DHA for 10 weeks each lowered triglycerides equally and raised HDL cholesterol relative to apolipoprotein B, but only DHA raised LDL cholesterol.Ethyl EPA and ethyl DHA cause similar and differential changes in plasma lipid concentrations and lipid metabolism in su…
- In 20 children with high cholesterol taking 1.2 g of DHA daily for 6 weeks, total cholesterol and LDL and HDL cholesterol rose compared with the diet alone, while blood vessel function improved.Docosahexaenoic acid restores endothelial function in children with hyperlipidemia: results from the EARLY study.
- In children with high cholesterol, 1.2 grams a day of docosahexaenoic acid for six weeks increased large, buoyant cholesterol particles by 91% and lowered small, dense cholesterol particles by 48% compared with placebo.Effect of docosahexaenoic acid on lipoprotein subclasses in hyperlipidemic children (the EARLY study).
- In people with mild high blood pressure, 50 grams a day of marine oil for 6 weeks lowered triglycerides by about 30% and diastolic blood pressure, but total and HDL cholesterol did not change.Effects of n-3 fatty acids in essential hypertension.
- In 10 people with type 2 diabetes, 10 grams of fish oil daily for 3 weeks did not significantly change total, HDL, or low-density cholesterol, and triglycerides were not significantly reduced overall.Effects of fish oil supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in NIDDM.
- About 4.5 grams of omega-3 fats a day from marine oil capsules lowered triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but LDL cholesterol responses varied from a drop to a rise depending on the type of high lipids.Marine oil capsule therapy for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
- In people with very high triglycerides, omega-3 carboxylic acids for 12 weeks lowered triglycerides and apoCIII, while raising low-density cholesterol that did not carry apoCIII, a form with weak links to heart disease.The effect of omega-3 carboxylic acids on apolipoprotein CIII-containing lipoproteins in severe hypertriglyceridemia.
- In people with high triglycerides, 4 grams a day of omega-3 for 14 days lowered fasting triglycerides, with the MAT9001 form also lowering triglycerides after a fatty meal; cholesterol was not reported.Effects of n-3 fatty acid treatment on monocyte phenotypes in humans with hypertriglyceridemia.
- In overweight postmenopausal women, a docosahexaenoic acid-rich omega-3 supplement for 16 weeks lowered circulating triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure compared with olive oil placebo.Effects of DHA-Rich n-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and/or Resistance Training on Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Bi…
- In 141 menopausal Japanese women with high cholesterol or triglycerides, 1800 mg of ethyl icosapentate daily added to estriol for 48 weeks lowered triglycerides by 27% and cholesterol more than estriol alone.Eicosapentaenoic acid effect on hyperlipidemia in menopausal Japanese women. The Niigata Epadel Study Group.
- In 80 young adults taking 900 mg eicosapentaenoic acid plus 680 mg docosahexaenoic acid daily for 4 weeks, omega-3 levels in HDL and LDL cholesterol particles did not depend on APOE gene type, though carriers of the E4 variant had a less favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in LDL and docosahexaenoic acid in HDL tracked with HDL cholesterol only in non-carriers.Disrupted fatty acid distribution in HDL and LDL according to apolipoprotein E allele.
- In 60 adults with high triglycerides, 3 g a day of omega-3 fats for 6 weeks lowered triglycerides by 28%, raised HDL cholesterol slightly, lowered small dense LDL cholesterol by 16%, and reduced several markers of oxidative stress compared with placebo.N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of atherogenic dyslipidemia.
- In adults with high cholesterol, 1 month of fish oil plus garlic powder lowered total cholesterol by 11%, low-density cholesterol by 10%, and triglycerides by 34% compared with placebo.Modulation of lipid profile by fish oil and garlic combination.
- In adults with diabetes and high cholesterol already on a med and fibrate drugs, 3.6 grams a day of omega-3 fats for three months lowered blood triglycerides by 28% compared with the olive oil period.Read the study on PubMed (16214329) →
- In 21 men with coronary disease and high cholesterol, 6 grams a day of omega-3 for 60 days lowered total cholesterol and VLDL but raised LDL, while 4 grams lowered total cholesterol at the cost of HDL and 2 grams had no effect.[Dyslipidemic patients with coronary cardiopathy. Effect of different doses of OMEGA-3 fatty acids on serum lipids and l…
- In 20 men with high triglycerides, 12 grams a day of fish oil (3.6 grams of EPA and DHA combined) for 3 weeks lowered triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol compared with olive oil, but raised LDL and HDL cholesterol.[Influence of fish oil on serum lipoprotein level in endogenous hypertriglyceridemia].
- In 8 men with high triglycerides taking 1800 mg of EPA daily for 3 months, triglycerides fell by 31%, and blood vessel function normalized.Eicosapentaenoic acid improves endothelial function in hypertriglyceridemic subjects despite increased lipid oxidizabili…
- In 15 volunteers, a two-week mackerel-rich diet lowered triglycerides, total cholesterol, and blood pressure compared with baseline, with effects that returned toward starting levels 3 months later; the study had no placebo group.Clinical studies on lipid and blood pressure lowering effect of eicosa-pentaenoic acid-rich diet.
- In 11 stroke or mini-stroke patients, 6 weeks of fish oil capsules significantly lowered triglycerides but did not change total or HDL cholesterol compared with olive oil.A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of fish oil concentrate (MaxEpa) in stroke patients.
- In 5 patients with kidney failure and high triglycerides, Max-EPA fish oil significantly lowered triglycerides; the dose and duration were not stated.Dyslipidemia in patients with chronic renal failure and in renal transplant patients.
- Over 2 months, 7.5 grams a day of fish oil or a fish-rich diet raised EPA and DHA in blood but did not change cholesterol levels.Diet and fatty acids: can fish substitute for fish oil?
- In Japanese adults with high total cholesterol taking a med, 1800 mg of EPA daily for about 4.6 years reduced major coronary events by 19% compared with a med alone, though LDL cholesterol fell about 25% in both groups.Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on major coronary events in hypercholesterolaemic patients (JELIS): a randomised open-l…
- In 100 adults with high triglycerides, a free fatty acid form of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid lowered triglycerides about as much as icosapent ethyl over 4-week periods, and it reduced inflammation marker levels while icosapent ethyl raised them, without raising LDL cholesterol.A Head-to-Head Comparison of a Free Fatty Acid Formulation of Omega-3 Pentaenoic Acids Versus Icosapent Ethyl in Adults …
- In 30 adults with type 2 diabetes, 4 grams a day of fish oil for 28 days lowered certain fat-signaling molecules in the blood and raised omega-3 fat levels in them; cholesterol was not reported.Read the study on PubMed (24373610) →
- In 30 adults with type 2 diabetes taking a med, 2.6 grams a day of EPA and DHA for 28 days changed HDL cholesterol and apoA-I levels at different times, with effects linked to DHA levels rather than a clear overall improvement.Read the study on PubMed (29031392) →
- In 24 young and older adults taking 3.9 grams a day of omega-3s, including 1.2 grams of DHA, triglycerides and VLDL particles fell and HDL cholesterol rose modestly in an open-label study with no placebo group.Distinct Influence of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Plasma Metabolome of Healthy Older Adults.
- In 6 people with high triglycerides, 3 grams a day of fish oil for 2 months lowered VLDL, triglycerides and apoB100 before and after treatment, with no placebo group.Omega 3 Improves Both apoB100-containing Lipoprotein Turnover and their Sphingolipid Profile in Hypertriglyceridemia.
- In over 440,000 UK Biobank participants, fish oil supplement users had reduced genetic tendency toward high total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and an increased genetic tendency toward higher HDL cholesterol.Fish oil supplementation modifies the genetic potential for blood lipids.
- In a large group of over 136,000 patients, blood omega-3 levels were not linked to harmful changes in LDL or other blood fats, regardless of APOE gene type.Does APOE genotype modify the relations between serum lipid and erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acid levels?
- In 26,034 healthy women, higher fish intake was linked to lower triglycerides but also to higher total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, while only higher plant-based omega-3 (ALA) intake was linked to lower LDL cholesterol.Habitual Fish Consumption, n-3 Fatty Acids, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Lipoprotein Subfractions in Women.
- In a large claims study of a med users without prior atrial fibrillation, icosapent ethyl was linked to a higher 2-year rate of atrial fibrillation than omega-3 ethyl esters (5.2% vs 4.1%).Read the study on PubMed (40673511) →
- In 420 hemodialysis patients followed for about 5 years, LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol were not linked to death or heart events, while higher HDL cholesterol predicted fewer new heart events; omega-3 was not shown to change these levels.Association between serum lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and prognosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients.
- In a retrospective study of 278 pregnant women, those taking omega-3 supplements for 5 weeks had significantly lower triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, with no clear harm to pregnancy outcomes.Effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on lipids and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women.
- In 276 adults aged 65 to 95, higher omega-3 index in red blood cells was linked to lower triglycerides and higher HDL cholesterol, while links to LDL cholesterol differed between men and women.Association between omega-3 index and blood lipids in older Australians.
- In a Hong Kong population survey, vegetarians had lower total cholesterol than omnivores but also lower blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid and other long-chain omega-3 fats.Serum fatty acid, lipid profile and dietary intake of Hong Kong Chinese omnivores and vegetarians.
- In 27 hemodialysis patients with severe itching, 1000 mg of fish oil a day for 3 months lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raised HDL cholesterol, reduced the inflammatory marker IL-6, and improved skin hydration, although CRP rose.Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus and Inflammation.
- In a small comparison of 11 distance runners and 12 non-running controls, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol did not differ between the groups, although triglycerides were lower in the runners.Lipids and platelet function in runners.
- In a nested case-control study in China, docosahexaenoic acid in the blood was associated with heart attack, ischemic stroke and brain bleeding risk, but the abstract does not state the direction of the link.Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Metabolites and Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Stroke.
- In 38 people with normal cholesterol, 28 days of high-dose icosapent ethyl lowered triglycerides, remnant cholesterol, and apoB, and reduced how well apoB particles stick to artery-wall proteoglycans.Icosapent ethyl-induced lipoprotein remodeling and its impact on cardiovascular disease risk markers in normolipidemic i…
- In 12 hemodialysis patients with high cholesterol and triglycerides, fish oil capsules taken daily for 13 weeks significantly lowered triglycerides, total cholesterol and phospholipids.Effects of fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid on serum lipid in hyperlipidemic hemodialysis patients.
- In a post-hoc analysis of icosapent ethyl trials, higher doses raised EPA levels in blood, and the rise in EPA tracked with greater triglyceride lowering, with 4 g/day reaching the approved effect.Icosapent ethyl: Eicosapentaenoic acid concentration and triglyceride-lowering effects across clinical studies.
- In patients with thrombotic diseases taking 1.8 to 2.7 grams of purified EPA daily for 16 weeks, serum cholesterol and triglycerides fell in those with high cholesterol, though the abstract does not report a control group or participant count.Anti-thrombotic and anti-atherogenic action of eicosapentaenoic acid.
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Most of the panel recommends omega-3 fatty acids, the main ingredient here, with five of ten leaning positive in their latest word and the rest neutral, and nobody said they stopped. People take them for lower inflammation, heart and brain health, triglycerides, slower biological aging, fertility, and skin. Preferred sources are oily fish such as salmon and sardines or fish oil, and one panelist suggests taking them with a fat-containing meal to help absorption. Doses mentioned run from 1 gram a day up to 2 to 4 grams of combined EPA and DHA daily, with about 2 grams a day said to raise a low omega-3 index. One panelist cautions that most people underdose because standard capsules hold little EPA and DHA, and another says the evidence for preventing hard heart disease outcomes is not very strong.
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Dr. Eric Berg · Omega-3 Fatty Acids · recommends
- Recommends wild-caught salmon as a healthy food to eat every day, noting it contains about 2000 mg of omega-3s in just 3 ounces.
- Recommends wild salmon as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support brain health and cognitive function, especially important as one ages.
- Recommends DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, as a natural remedy that, along with sweet wormwood, can trigger iron into an explosion to hit cancer.
- Dr. Eric Berg mentions that sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and metabolism.
- Mentions that wild salmon, specifically half a fillet, has 970 mg of potassium, zero carbohydrates, a good amount of magnesium, and is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Discusses what would happen if one consumed omega-3 fatty acids every day for 30 days, highlighting their benefits for brain health, heart health, and various conditions like dry eyes, dermatitis, and high blood pressure, as well as supporting calcium absorption and promoting better sleep.
- Recommends getting plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to support joint and metabolic health.
- Recommends consuming foods rich in vitamin D, including fatty fish, to boost vitamin D levels.
- Recommends fatty fish as the best type of protein for inflammation.
- Recommends fatty fish, including salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as dietary sources of vitamin D.
Siim Land · Omega-3 Fatty Acids · recommends
- Recommends taking omega-3s, including EPA and DHA, with a fat-containing meal to increase absorption.
- Increased his omega-3 intake to achieve a higher omega-3 index, which is associated with greater insulin sensitivity and better metabolic health markers.
- Increased his omega-3 index to 9.5% and notes that omega-3s have strong evidence for reducing elevated triglycerides.
- Mentions that EPA and DHA Omega-3s support heart and brain function and can lower triglycerides, with a higher omega-3 index associated with lower heart disease, Alzheimer's and mortality risk.
- Recommends Omega-3s for triglycerides and cardiovascular health, based primarily on human research, especially randomized controlled trials showing measurable benefits.
- Recommends choosing an omega-3 supplement from a brand that uses independent third-party testing and publishes a recent certificate of analysis, verifying EPA and DHA amounts, and testing for heavy metals, contaminants, and oxidation markers.
- Lists Omega-3s as one of 15 supplements backed by human studies.
- Explains that omega-3s can alter mitochondrial membranes and have broader cardiometabolic effects, making mitochondria more responsive to cellular signaling and oxidative stress from exercise, but they don't increase maximal mitochondrial respiration.
- Notes that 75% of people aren't meeting the daily recommendation for omega-3s and that Japanese people eat 2-3x more omega-3s per day than Americans or Europeans, which reflects in their higher omega-3 index.
- Thinks omega-3s have some of the strongest evidence and are worth considering.
Andrew Huberman · Omega-3 Fatty Acids · recommends
- AG1 is giving away a free bottle of omega-3 coenzyme Q10 with your first subscription.
- Mentions that AG1 is giving away a free bottle of Omega-3 co-enzyme Q10 with the first subscription to AG1 Pro.
- Discusses Omega-3 Fatty Acids and EPA.
- Mentions that AG1 is offering a free bottle of Omega-3 co-enzyme Q10 with a first subscription to AG1 Pro.
- Recommends a free bottle of Omega-3 co-enzyme Q10 with the first AG1 Pro subscription.
- Mentions Omega-3s in the context of the microbiome and processed foods.
- Recommends Omega-3 co-enzyme Q10, which is offered as a free bottle with the first AG1 Pro subscription.
- States that getting 1 to 3 grams of EPA essential fatty acid per day can improve mood and cognitive function, supporting focus and concentration.
- Discusses Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
- Discusses omega-3s, artificial sweeteners, fructose, and fats.
Thomas DeLauer · Omega-3 Fatty Acids · recommends
- Recommends fish oil supplements as an omega-3 source for gut health, as they help reduce inflammatory signaling while tissue repairs.
- Recommends high-dose omega-3s, specifically 2 to four grams of combined EPA and DHA daily, to lower hepatic fat output and improve chylomicron clearance, which helps with non-fasting triglycerides.
- Recommends omega-3s, specifically 4 grams a day, to boost the muscle building response by making muscle cell membranes work better for the mTor switch to fire, and specifically mentions Pury for their clean, third-party tested omega-3s.
- Recommends consuming more omega-3s to help balance the mitochondrial membrane, as it will absorb more omega-3s instead of omega-6s.
- Recommends consuming more omega-3s to drive down inflammation.
- Recommends omega-3s, stating that a meta-analysis found 1,000 mg significantly reduced liver fat by shutting down inflammatory signals that promote fat storage, and advises looking for a triglycerol form for better absorption and to avoid oxidation.
- Recommends fatty fish like salmon and sardines, aiming for two to three servings per week, especially around a workout, because their omega-3s, particularly DHA, increase BDNF expression.
- Considers omega-3s a fundamental for brain protection, recommending both dietary sources and supplementation for EPA and DHA, as they produce pro-resolving mediators to limit inflammation.
- Recommends timing omega-3 intake around workouts because they directly help build and keep muscle by making muscle more responsive to growth signals and fighting anabolic resistance as one ages.
- Notes that Scandinavians consume fatty fish multiple times a week as part of their diet, contributing to their long lifespan and healthspan.
Dave Asprey · Omega-3 Fatty Acids · recommends
- Suggests that omega-3s may help slow aging and support cellular repair.
- Recommends omega-3s, noting that 1 gram a day slowed epigenetic aging by up to 4 months in a randomized trial of people over 70.
- Dave Asprey recommends Omega-3, citing a randomized trial showing 1g a day slowed epigenetic aging in older adults, but warns that most people underdose due to low EPA and DHA content in standard capsules.
- A review of 41 human studies testing interventions against newer-generation epigenetic clocks found favorable changes for exercise, caloric restriction, omega-3s, plant-rich diets, multivitamins, a med, pitavastatin, and ketamine.
- Recommends getting nutrients like omega-3s from real food or Vision 101 for eyesight.
- Recommends adding omega-3 fats to improve how neurons absorb and use nutrients like vitamin C.
- States that Fatty15 supports cells better than omega-3s or fish oil, but he uses both.
- Notes that Inuit people consumed very high levels of omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA, which contributed to their health on a whale blubber diet.
- Lists Omega-3s as a nutrient that forms the structure and different parts of the brain.
- Uses both C15 and omega-3s, noting that C15 supports cells better than omega-3s or fish oil with three times more benefits.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Omega-3 Fatty Acids · neutral
- Mentions that EPA is an omega-3 examined in mortality analysis and found primarily in seafood.
- States that Omega-3 fatty acids are very important for sperm health.
- Omega-3s may help slow biological aging, with added benefits when combined with vitamin D and strength training. In a 3-year randomized trial of healthy, mostly active older adults, omega-3 alone slowed several DNA-based aging clocks.
- Recommends regular intake of omega-3 rich seafood and supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids if it's appropriate for one's lifestyle, as they are beneficial for the heart by resolving inflammation and preserving membrane fluidity.
- Notes that a 100 mg per day increase in omega-3 fatty acids was associated with lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline by 10%, and that it takes about two grams a day to get to a high omega-3 index if one has a low index.
- Practical habits to help keep chronic inflammation in check include getting enough omega-3s.
- States that Omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA, may be the most potent naturally occurring dietary compounds for reducing inflammation, and that about 2 g/day of combined EPA and DHA can raise a low omega-3 index.
- Recommends fatty fish as a source of healthy fats for muscle gain.
- Mentions that an omega-3 supplement might not be working, and one would not know without taking the Omega-3 index test.
- Recommends considering omega-3s to improve mood.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Omega-3 Fatty Acids · neutral
- Mentions omega-3 fats as existing biomarkers that play a role in mental health, which Function Health includes in their measurements.
- Mentions that omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and helpful.
- Tries to supplement with omega-3s for psoriasis and considers them the one clearly clinically effective skin nutrient for skin, hair, and nails.
- Emphasizes the importance of focusing on omega-3s, noting that a national crisis of omega-3 deficiency exists and that low omega-3 levels are a significant problem, more so than omega-6s.
- Consumes omega-3 fats through salmon at dinner.
- Notes that omega-3s are important nutrients for brain performance and aging, and that many people have gaps in these nutrients.
- Recommends omega-3 fats from wild fish, seafood, and certain nuts and seeds to fight inflammation.
- Mentions omega-3 fats as something that might be helpful for gut repair.
- Used omega-3 fats as part of a protocol to rebuild the gut microbiome and heal the gut of a nine-year-old girl with severe behavioral issues.
- States that omega-3 fats from fatty fish, flax, and walnuts help balance inflammatory pathways, but no supplement can replace daily signals from sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and metabolic health.
Ben Greenfield · Omega-3 Fatty Acids · neutral
- Notes that omega-3s have solid research behind them for fertility.
- Recommends omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, at 1 to 3 grams per day for better sperm morphology and motility, noting that sperm membranes are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Recommends getting Omega-3 from oily fish such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel, herring, and salmon with skin.
- Discusses why fatty fish or fish oil may matter more than plant-based omega-3s if seed oils are in one's diet.
- Says that omega-3 fatty acids are a great way to feed the system and help with stress.
- Recommends testing for and replenishing omega-3 fatty acids if levels are low, as they can affect the ability to maintain or preserve muscle, especially for those on GLP-1s.
- Recommends including EPA from fatty fish or fish oil in one's diet, especially if seed oils are present in the diet.
- Notes that B vitamins and Omega-3s work as a pair to support the brain, but not independently.
- Notes that the DO-Health study showed omega-3 had good effects, and it's a supplement people commonly take.
- Mentions that omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise all had good effects in the DO-Health study.
Peter Attia · Omega-3 Fatty Acids · neutral
- Peter and Michael explore the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular trials and the challenge of delivering DHA to the brain.
- Mentions that some trials showing a benefit to PUFA were confounded by the inclusion of omega-3s, and argues that the literature on omega-3s is not super strong for decreasing hard cardiovascular disease endpoints.
- Took big doses of omega-3 postpartum to help maintain when she wasn't sitting down to eat full meals.
- Mentions consuming fatty fish, specifically sardines, as part of their diet, noting their high fat and protein content.
- Peter discusses how omega-3s from fish oil impact inflammation, heart health, and brain function, as well as the strengths and limitations of current research.
- Mentions the importance of DHA omega-3 fatty acids for neuronal membranes, which are concentrated in synapses and crucial for communication between neurons.
- Highlights the importance of DHA omega-3 fatty acids for neuronal membranes and communication between neurons, as they are concentrated in synapses.
- Discusses the mfsd2a transporter, which is specific to DHA in phospholipid form, and its role in blood-brain barrier integrity, noting that animal studies show disruption of this transporter causes significant breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and loss of omega-3 in the brain.
- States that there is a very strong clinical impression that high doses of omega-3s help with dry eye, primarily from an anti-inflammatory standpoint.
- Recommends omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, for brain protection, especially for individuals with the APOE4 gene, stating that they require higher doses.
Bryan Johnson · Omega-3 Fatty Acids · recommends
- Recommends Omega 3 fatty acids as a supplement for skin health, noting they are in the Blueprint stack.
- During menopause, Bryan Johnson recommends ensuring adequate omega-3s for brain health.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 4 for Cholesterol
Studies show omega-3 reliably lowers triglycerides but does little for, or may raise, bad cholesterol [1][7], and there are no reviews of this product, so it stays at emerging.
Take 2 servings a day (4 softgels) to match the dose that worked in the studies.
- Emerging: not enough evidence to rank higher yet.
Where the evidence disagrees: 25 of the 112 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Cardiovascular system, Metabolic system
Possible side effects: Studies found bad and total cholesterol can rise with docosahexaenoic acid and omega-3 at lower doses; no other side effects were reported.
Supplement Facts
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids 960 mg · DHA 650 mg · EPA 200 mg
Supplement Facts
Serving Size Two Softgels
Servings Per Container 30
Amount Per Serving% Daily Value
| Calories | 15 | |
| Total Fat | 1 g | |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | |
| Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 960 mg | † |
| DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) | 650 mg | † |
| EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) | 200 mg | † |
† Daily Value not established.
Other ingredients: Softgel (Gelatin (bovine), Glycerin (vegetable source) and Purified Water), Natural Flavor, Antioxidant Blend (Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) and Rosemary Extract).
Directions: Take 2 gelcaps daily or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.
Label source: Reverseagelab · Report a label change
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Graded November 5, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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