Old fashioned 12p fish oil supplement can slash blood pressure in just three months

A 12p fish oil supplement could slash high blood pressure in just three months, according to a new study. Scientists at the Santa Maria de la Salud medical centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina, found that daily omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduced inflammation and lowered blood pressure.An estimated 16 million adults in the UK have high blood pressure – a condition that massively raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and vascular dementia. Around five million are unaware they have it, however, due to its lack of symptoms. The condition is typically treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications, such as statins. But new findings suggest simple omega-3 supplements could also prove effective at reducing blood pressure.The study, published in the Nutrients journal, saw men and women aged 21-70 with high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol given two 1000mg pharmacological-grade capsules each day. After three months, patients saw their daytime systolic blood pressure reduced by 6.5mmHg and their nighttime levels decrease by 5.5mmHg. Omega-3 supplements reduced blood pressure and inflammation among those already on medication for the problems, researchers found Studies show that statins, in comparison, reduce systolic blood pressure by around 6mmHg over the same time period. The supplements showed no effect on cholesterol, said researchers, who emphasised that the pills should not be used as a replacement for prescribed medication. The findings do suggest more research is needed in the area, however, they declared. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of 'healthy' polyunsaturated fat that the human body cannot produce on its own. There are three primary types of omega-3 – EPA, DHA and ALA. Both EPA and DHA are primarily found in fish and algae, while ALA can be found in plant sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts. EPA and DHA have previously been proven to maintain blood pressure, heart function and healthy blood fat levels, among other benefits.Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as the Mediterranean diet, meanwhile, have long been linked to health benefits for the heart, brain and other organs. Research suggests that the fatty acids may reduce blood pressure by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, and reducing systemic inflammation Research suggests that the fatty acids may reduce blood pressure by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, and reducing systemic inflammation. Health officials recommend adults consume an average of 450mg of the pair per day.Most people can achieve the recommended daily intake by eating oily fish regularly, nutritionist Emma Bardwell told the Daily Mail.But research shows that around 76 per cent of Britons are deficient in omega-3. 'If you're regularly eating oily fish and following a varied diet, you probably don't need a daily Omega-3 supplement,' said Ms Bardwell. 'But if you never eat fish, rarely eat it, or are vegan, an omega-3 supplement containing EPA and DHA is worth considering.'That's particularly relevant during pregnancy and breastfeeding, because DHA plays an important role in a baby's brain and eye development.'Omega-3 supplements can be made from fish oil and cod liver oil – while plant-based options are available made from algae and flaxseed oils. Holland & Barrett's 240 capsule bottle of omega-3 fish oil sells for £28.99 – or 12p a pill – while Boots' own brand supplement retails for £15.50 for 180 capsules.Omega-3 can also be pivotal during perimenopause and menopause, according to Ms Bardwell, because it helps to lower triglycerides, a common type of fat found in a person's blood and body.She said: 'As oestrogen levels decline, women's cardiovascular risk tends to increase. EPA and DHA can lower triglycerides, although the doses used therapeutically are considerably higher than those in ordinary supplements.'There's also interest in omega-3s for mood, cognition and joint health, but the research isn't conclusive. We certainly don't have convincing evidence that omega-3 supplements treat hot flushes or prevent dementia.'But more omega-3 does not necessarily mean more benefits.Trials have previously found some high-dose supplements can cause an increased risk of atrial fibrillation – a common heart rhythm disorder which can cause beats to become chaotic and out of sync.Omega-3 can also interact with medicines, according to the nutritionist, meaning large doses are not always necessarily harmless.'UK guidance suggests around 450mg of combined EPA and DHA daily,' Ms Bardwell continued.'Although many clinical trials use closer to 1,000mg, that higher dose isn't necessarily more beneficial for everyone. I'd always recommend checking the amount of EPA and DHA on the label rather than simply looking at the total fish oil content.'