Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Cholesterol (low)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily found in fish oil (EPA and DHA), have substantial scientific evidence supporting their use in lipid management, particularly for lowering triglyceride levels. Though their main benefit is not directly increasing low cholesterol (hypocholesterolemia), they are widely studied for their effects on the lipid profile as a whole. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that omega-3 supplementation significantly reduces triglyceride levels by 20-50% depending on the dose and baseline triglyceride levels. The effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL, "bad" cholesterol) is variable: in some individuals, LDL may slightly increase, decrease, or remain unchanged. High-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good" cholesterol) may rise modestly.

Omega-3s are not typically prescribed to treat low cholesterol (hypocholesterolemia) itself, but rather to manage high triglycerides and overall cardiovascular risk. The American Heart Association and other major health organizations recommend omega-3 fatty acids for hypertriglyceridemia, and prescription-strength formulations are approved for this use. There is, however, no robust evidence or clinical indication for using omega-3s specifically to raise low cholesterol or to treat hypocholesterolemia. In summary, omega-3 fatty acids are scientifically validated for lipid management, but not specifically for treating low cholesterol levels.

More about omega-3 fatty acids
More about Cholesterol (low)

Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Thinking (cloudy)
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
Triglycerides (low)
Vaginal Dryness