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Our Members Asked:
Is it true that taking a statin drug negates the benefits of taking fish oil supplements?
Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.
Answer:
Although there is evidence that statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs can alter the metabolism of omega-3 fatty acids in the body (reducing levels of DHA in the case of the drug fenofibrate, for example), this does not argue against taking fish oil when taking these drugs. In fact, taking fish oil can lower triglyceride levels and lower "bad" cholesterol levels when taken with cholesterol-lowering drugs. For more information, see the Cautions and Concerns section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review.Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,300 reviews.
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Andrew16278
December 17, 2017Statins appear to have anti-inflammatory properties (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC59622/) and so does fish oil (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16531187) although it is not exactly clear whether both act in the same way, especially given their molecular dissimilarity.
Inflammation is one of the older components of the immune system and was probably of greater importance in survival before the age of modern medicine. Also, as we age, inflammation tends to get a bit out of control, e.g., arthritis, cancer and cardiovascular problems.