Flying in the face of earlier research, a new study finds no support for the concept that supplementation with high-dose omega-3 fatty acids reduces cardiovascular events in patients at high risk.

In the study, a secondary analysis of the STRENGTH trial, patients who achieved the highest levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) – a 443% increase over baseline – had similar rates of major adverse cardiovascular events as their peers taking a placebo.

The trial enrolled more than 13,000 statin-treated patients at high cardiovascular risk with elevated triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol levels.

They were randomised to receive 4g daily of a prescription-grade omega-3 product containing EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or placebo (corn oil).