From the Editor

Abstract

The addition of omega-3 fatty acids to our diet via the ingestion of more fish and certain vegetable products has been touted for many years. The authors of two large clinical trials documenting reduced cardiovascular events with relatively small doses (0.85 grams per day in the Gissi II trial and 1.8 grams per day in the JELIS study) have provided the strongest evidence for supplements if necessary to assure the consumption of 0.5 to 1 gram per day for all adults. We now have various preparations of omega-3 fatty acids that provide such doses in one or two capsules per day. One omega-3 preparation has been approved as a prescription agent in the case of ethyl esters of eicosapentanoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid derived from fish. The only specific indication for this preparation is reducing triglyceride concentrations in excess of 500 mg/dL to prevent pancreatitis. The Food and Drug Administration has not recognized the vascular effects. New preparations of these fats are being tested in clinical trials to show safety and efficacy in reducing triglycerides. Dr. Maki reports studies with one of these preparations in conjunction with atorvastatin in patients with hypertriglyceridemia in this issue of the Journal. The clinical use of omega-3 fatty acids as prescription agents and the current efforts to add to the number of preparations available to clinicians is also discussed in some detail by three experts in the Roundtable in this issue.