The evidence for the cardioprotective nature of omega-3 fatty acids is abundant, 
and currently available data indicate that patients with known coronary heart 
disease should consume at least 1 g daily of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from 
either oily fish or fish-oil supplements, and that individuals without disease 
should consume at least 250-500 mg daily. However, this area of research poses 
two questions. Firstly, which is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids-fish or 
fish-oil supplements? Secondly, are recommendations for omega-3 supplementation 
warranted in view of the rapid depletion of world fish stocks? The argument that 
eating fish is better than taking fish-oil supplements stems from the fact that 
several important nutrients, such as vitamin D, selenium, and antioxidants, are 
missing from the supplements. However, three major prevention trials have 
clearly indicated that omega-3 fatty acid capsules confer cardiovascular 
benefits and, therefore, that both are cardioprotective. Sustainable sources of 
omega-3 fatty acids will need to be identified if long-term cardiovascular risk 
reduction is to be achieved at the population level.