A recently published Cochrane review has poured cold water on the value of smelly fish oil preparations. Despite long being touted as a “miracle food” for their alleged cardio-protective benefits, Australia’s most commonly taken supplement does nothing to reduce cardiovascular events, coronary heart deaths, stroke or even heart irregularities.

The analysis examined evidence from almost 80 randomised clinical trials comprising a more than 112,000-strong population, including hints of bias.

So when you next reach for a stinky fish oil supplement purportedly jam-packed with omega-3 fats, think twice!