People with more omega-3 fats in their blood don’t clearly have lower heart disease risk, even though the numbers hint at a possible benefit.
Scientific Claim
Circulating levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids show a non-significant 16% reduction in coronary disease risk (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.63–1.11) in biomarker-based observational studies.
Original Statement
“Corresponding estimates for circulating fatty acids were ... 0.84 (CI, 0.63 to 1.11) ... for long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated ... respectively.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim accurately reflects the non-significant trend and avoids overstating benefit. The wide CI justifies cautious interpretation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Association of dietary, circulating, and supplement fatty acids with coronary risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This big study looked at blood levels of omega-3 fats in thousands of people and found that those with higher levels had about 16% lower heart disease risk—but the result wasn’t strong enough to say for sure it wasn’t just chance.