Abstract

Background: Fish is consumed as food worldwide and is considered as a rich source of essential nutrients required for a healthy life. Supplementation with fish oil has been adopted as a solution to prevent or cure many pathophysiological states and diseases by both the professionals and the civil population. The beneficial effects are, however, being questioned, as some controversial results were obtained in clinical and population studies.

Methods: Critical evaluation of studies regarding known effects of fish oil, both in favour of its consumption and related controversies.

Results: From the literature review, contradictory allegations about the positive action of the fish oil on human health emerged, so that a clear line about its beneficial effect cannot be withdrawn.

Conclusion: Scientific results on the application of fish oil should be taken with caution as there is still no standardised approach in testing its effects and there are significantly different baselines in respect to nutritional and other lifestyle habits of different populations.

Keywords: Fish oil, ω-3PUFA, CVD, diabetes, cancer, controversies.