Taking a specific type of fish oil supplement every day for two and a half years may help reduce inflammation in the gums and lower a blood marker of body-wide inflammation in people with stable heart disease who are already on statins.

We analyzed one assertion on this question and found no studies that contradict it. The evidence we’ve reviewed suggests that taking 3.36 grams of EPA and DHA omega-3 daily for 30 months may help reduce gum inflammation and lower the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in people with stable coronary artery disease who are already taking statins [1]. This single assertion is based on observed changes in gum health and a blood marker that reflects overall inflammation levels. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a simple measure that can indicate how active the body’s immune system is — higher ratios often link to more inflammation. We did not find any studies that showed this supplement had no effect or made things worse. However, we also did not review multiple trials or long-term data beyond this one claim. The evidence is limited to a single assertion without details on study design, participant size, or how outcomes were measured. Because of this, we cannot say whether the effect is strong, consistent, or applies to everyone with heart disease. What we’ve found so far leans toward a possible benefit, but it’s based on very limited information. More research would be needed to understand how reliable this effect is, who might benefit most, and whether the changes seen are meaningful for long-term health. If you have stable heart disease and are on statins, and you’re considering omega-3 supplements for gum or systemic inflammation, this one piece of evidence suggests it might help — but it’s not enough to say it will work for you.