Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)

Fish oil with high EPA and DHA content remains one of the best-documented supplements for cardiovascular health, with the REDUCE-IT trial showing 4g/day of high-purity EPA reduced major cardiovascular events by 25% in high-risk patients. The effect size in primary prevention is more modest but consistent. The critical nuance: regular fish oil (not prescription-strength) has more variable evidence, partly because the studies used different doses and different EPA:DHA ratios. Current best practice: target at least 2g combined EPA+DHA daily from either high-quality fish oil or algae-based DHA (the vegan option that skips the fish entirely — algae is where fish get their omega-3s). Triglyceride form absorbs better than ethyl ester form. Refrigerate after opening to prevent oxidation.