New study finds 5p pill can lower cholesterol even in those with family history of condition

The study found that even if people had a family history of high cholesterol, the Omega 3 pills helped
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


A new study has discovered that a supplement which can be bought for as little as 5p a dose can have a massive impact on those who are genetically at risk of high cholesterol. Omega 3 is taken for many things - including with blood pressure and diabetes.

It’s highly popular with an estimated two out of 25 people taking pills daily. In a new study the University of Georgia published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explained people with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol could also benefit from them.

Using genetic data from more than 441,000 participants, the researchers calculated a score to predict the genetic likelihood of high levels of total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol (which is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol), triglycerides and HDL cholesterol (or “good” cholesterol).

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The researchers found that participants who reported taking fish oil supplements have lower blood lipid levels than predicted, especially for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Kaixiong Ye, corresponding author of the study and an assistant professor of genetics, said: “Our study shows that considering lifestyles will improve genetic prediction. Our findings also support that fish oil supplements may counteract the genetic predisposition to high cholesterol.”

High cholesterol is bad for the body and it causes arteries to harden, and adds to the risk of heart attack or stroke increases. The study found for people who have a family history of high cholesterol: “Taking fish oil is associated with a shift toward a healthy lipid profile.”

The researchers also analysed the effects of fish oil on HDL cholesterol and found the supplements are beneficial in raising the so-called “good” cholesterol. The supplement is one which was advocated by health and diet guru Dr Michael Mosley shortly before his untimely death as the only one he would actually take.

Omega 3 can be bought for 360 doses for £17.99, making them cost about 5p a day. Experts advocate taking them as an addition to a good diet - although even people eating the right things can find themselves deficient in it.

Dr Amina Hersi, a GP, said: “Some of us don’t get enough omega 3 from fish oil in salmon, mackerel or other oily fish, which helps prevent inflammation and to regulate menstrual cycles by supporting hormone production.

“Omega 6 is abundant in our diet as it comes from seed oils such as sunflower oil and eggs but I supplement omega 3 and eat ground flaxseed (high in fibre and omega 3) to balance it out and counter dry eyes, a side-effect of PCOS. ”