Consumption of oily fish and omega-3 oil supplements in cardiac rehab participants

Abstract

Aim: To assess the intake (if any) of omega-3 oil supplements and oily fish in a group of cardiac rehabilitation patients, and to determine their barriers to eating oily fish. Methods: Cardiac rehabilitation programme participants (n=80) were asked if they would complete an anonymous questionnaire. Results: 49 of the 80 participants completed the survey (response rate of 61%): 54% of respondents were meeting the recommendation for ≥ one portion of oily fish per week. The main reasons for not eating oily fish were that it was too expensive (34.7%) or the participants had not thought about it (26.5%). Twenty-five per cent of respondents reported taking over-the-counter fish oil supplements. Conclusions and recommendations: The main barriers to eating oily fish could potentially be reduced through focused education as part of the cardiac rehabilitation programme. From the literature and cost review, it seems it would be financially beneficial for participants to spend their money on oily fish or other aspects of a healthy diet rather than omega-3 oil supplements.