The fact that fish oil and its significant component, omega-3 fatty acids can improve brain power, help with major depression, schizophrenia, and postpartum depression, or reduce chances of developing Alzheimer’s is not a secret anymore. But a recent Italian study has found that daily supplements of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduced deaths and hospitalizations of people with heart failure.

The new study confirms the results of other similar studies that showed that high blood levels of omega 3-fatty acids were associated with lower levels of atherosclerosis or studies that emphasized the benefits of fish diets that could have a substantial impact on coronary heart disease.

"Our study shows that the long-term administration of 1g per day of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid was effective in reducing both all-cause mortality and admissions to hospital for cardiovascular reasons" said Prof. Luigi Tavazzi from the research centre of the of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists based in Florence.

The findings were published online in the medical journal The Lancet on Sunday.

The study involved 7,000 people diagnosed with heart failure – the progressive loss of the heart’s ability to pump blood. A group of patients was given daily capsules containing omega-3 PUFA, a prescription-formulation pill derived from fish oils. The rest of the patients took a capsule with a placebo.

In the group of patients taking the fish oil pills, the death rate of heart failure was 27 percent, compared to 29 percent in the placebo group. The supplements also helped patients reduce the risk of being admitted to hospital for cardiovascular problems.

The study marks a small, but significant step in cardiovascular research. The Italian researchers said that 56 people with heart failure would have to take omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid capsules to avoid one death attributed to heart failure.