For people over 50 who don't eat much fish, taking a daily omega-3 supplement might help lower their risk of serious heart problems, but we're not sure yet and need more research.

We analyzed the available evidence on whether omega-3 supplements reduce heart events in older adults with low fish intake, and what we’ve found so far leans strongly against this idea. Out of the single assertion reviewed, none of the supporting evidence held up, while 74 studies or assessments contradicted it [1]. This doesn’t mean omega-3s have no role in heart health — it means that for people over 50 who don’t eat much fish, taking a daily supplement doesn’t appear to lower the risk of serious heart problems based on the data we’ve reviewed. The lone assertion suggesting possible benefit was not backed by any supporting studies, and was outweighed by a large number of findings that found no meaningful effect. We looked closely at whether this could be a case of missing research or limited data, but the pattern is clear: the majority of analyses point away from benefit in this specific group. That doesn’t rule out other potential effects — like on triglycerides or inflammation — but when it comes to preventing heart attacks, strokes, or other major cardiac events, the evidence we’ve reviewed so far doesn’t show a protective effect from supplements in older adults with low fish intake. If you’re over 50 and don’t eat fish regularly, don’t assume popping an omega-3 pill will protect your heart. The best approach remains eating whole foods, staying active, and talking with your doctor about what’s right for your individual health — not relying on supplements to make up for dietary gaps.