Researchers used computer models to study how omega-3 fatty acids (the healthy fats found in fish) might help protect your heart and brain. They tested a specific fish oil supplement containing EPA and DHA and predicted what would happen to different blood fat levels over six months. The computer models suggested that people with very high blood fat ratios could see big improvements—up to 35% better—especially in triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood) and HDL (the “good” cholesterol). While these results are promising, they’re based on computer predictions, not actual people taking the supplements, so more real-world testing is needed.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a fish oil supplement (omega-3 fatty acids) could improve blood fat levels and reduce heart disease risk by using computer models to predict what would happen in the body
  • Who participated: No real people participated. Scientists used computer models to simulate how a typical person with high blood fat levels would respond to the supplement over six months
  • Key finding: Computer models predicted that people with very high blood fat ratios could see improvements of 35% or more in six months, with the biggest improvements in triglycerides (down 14.7%) and good cholesterol (up 22.38%)
  • What it means for you: These results suggest fish oil supplements may help some people with high blood fats, especially those with the highest risk levels. However, this is computer prediction, not proven in real people yet, so talk to your doctor before starting any supplement

The Research Details

This was a computer-based study, not a traditional experiment with real people. Scientists created detailed mathematical models of how the human body processes omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA, the main healthy fats in fish oil). They fed information about a specific fish oil supplement into these computer models and watched what the models predicted would happen to various blood fat levels over six months.

The researchers looked at two different doses: a higher dose (1 gram each of EPA and DHA) and a lower dose (180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA) that’s more typical of actual supplements people take. They also analyzed how the body absorbs, processes, and uses these fatty acids. Finally, they looked at different groups of people—specifically those with very high blood fat ratios—to see who might benefit the most.

This type of study is called “in-silico,” which is a fancy way of saying it happens entirely on computers using mathematical models rather than testing on actual people or animals.

Computer models are useful because they let scientists test ideas quickly and safely before spending time and money on expensive human studies. This research helps identify which groups of people might benefit most from fish oil supplements, which could guide future real-world studies. It also helps explain the biological mechanisms—the actual pathways in your body—that might make omega-3 fatty acids helpful for heart health.

This study has important limitations to understand: it’s based entirely on computer predictions, not real people taking the supplement. The models are only as good as the information put into them, and real human bodies are more complex than any computer model. The study doesn’t tell us if people will actually experience these benefits or if they’ll tolerate the supplement well. Think of it like a weather forecast—it’s an educated prediction, but it’s not guaranteed to happen exactly as predicted.

What the Results Show

The computer models predicted several changes in blood fat levels over six months with the lower-dose supplement (180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA). Triglycerides—a type of fat in your blood that’s linked to heart disease—were predicted to drop by 14.7%. Total cholesterol was predicted to decrease slightly by 1.7%. Interestingly, LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) was predicted to increase slightly by 3.7%, while HDL (the “good” cholesterol) was predicted to increase significantly by 22.38%.

But the most exciting findings involved what scientists call “lipid ratios”—basically comparing different types of blood fats to each other. The triglyceride-to-HDL ratio (comparing bad fat to good cholesterol) was predicted to drop by 31%. The total cholesterol-to-HDL ratio was predicted to drop by 21%, and the LDL-to-HDL ratio was predicted to drop by 16%. These ratios are actually better predictors of heart disease risk than looking at individual numbers alone.

When the researchers looked at people with the highest baseline blood fat ratios—those at the highest risk—the predictions were even more impressive. People with triglyceride-to-HDL ratios above 8, total cholesterol-to-HDL ratios above 12, or LDL-to-HDL ratios above 8 were predicted to see improvements greater than 35% within six months.

The study also examined how the body processes these omega-3 fatty acids (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics—fancy terms for how the body absorbs and uses the supplements). The analysis showed that both EPA and DHA work through multiple pathways in the body to improve lipid profiles, not just one single mechanism. This suggests that omega-3 fatty acids affect heart health through several different biological processes simultaneously.

These computer-predicted results align with what previous real-world studies have shown about fish oil supplements and heart health. Many human studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids can improve triglyceride levels and increase good cholesterol. However, the slight increase in LDL cholesterol predicted here is something that has been observed in some real studies and remains an area of ongoing research. The strong improvements in lipid ratios match what researchers have found to be important for predicting actual heart disease risk.

The biggest limitation is that this is a computer prediction, not a study of real people. Real human bodies are incredibly complex, and computer models simplify many processes. The study doesn’t account for individual differences—some people might respond better or worse than the model predicts based on their genetics, diet, exercise, medications, and other factors. The study also doesn’t tell us about side effects, how well people tolerate the supplement, or whether these predicted improvements would actually translate to fewer heart attacks or strokes. Additionally, the study assumes people take the supplement consistently for six months, which doesn’t always happen in real life. Finally, the study doesn’t compare the supplement to other treatments or to a placebo, so we don’t know how it stacks up against other options.

The Bottom Line

Based on these computer predictions, omega-3 supplements may be worth discussing with your doctor if you have high blood fat levels, especially if you have very high triglyceride-to-HDL ratios or other lipid imbalances. The evidence is moderate—these are promising predictions, but they need to be confirmed in real people. If your doctor recommends trying omega-3 supplements, the typical dose studied here was 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA daily. However, don’t start any supplement without talking to your doctor first, especially if you take blood thinners or other medications.

This research is most relevant for people with high triglycerides, high total cholesterol, or unfavorable lipid ratios—especially those with the highest risk levels. People with a family history of heart disease or stroke might find this interesting. However, this research is NOT a substitute for proven treatments like statins (cholesterol medications) that your doctor might prescribe. People taking blood thinners should be especially careful about fish oil supplements and must check with their doctor first.

According to the computer models, if these predictions hold true in real people, you might expect to see changes in blood fat levels within 6 months of consistent use. However, real results could take longer or be different from predictions. You’d need blood tests to actually measure any changes, so discuss with your doctor how often to recheck your levels.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you start taking an omega-3 supplement, track your daily dose (note the EPA and DHA amounts) and set reminders to take it consistently. Log any side effects like fishy aftertaste, digestive changes, or unusual bleeding or bruising. Record the dates of your blood tests and the results (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and lipid ratios if available).
  • Start by taking the supplement at the same time each day with a meal (this helps absorption and reduces stomach upset). Set a daily reminder on your phone or app. Track whether you’re taking it consistently, as the computer models assume daily use. If you experience side effects, note them in the app and discuss with your doctor.
  • Plan to get blood work done before starting the supplement (baseline), then again at 3 months and 6 months to see if your lipid levels are actually improving as predicted. Use the app to track these test dates and results. Compare your actual results to the computer predictions to see how closely your body follows the model. Continue monitoring every 3-6 months if you stay on the supplement long-term.

This research is based on computer models and predictions, not studies of real people taking the supplement. These findings have not been confirmed in actual human trials. Fish oil supplements are not regulated by the FDA the same way medications are, and quality varies between brands. Before starting any omega-3 supplement, especially if you take blood thinners, have bleeding disorders, or take other medications, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. Do not use this research to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease without guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.