Q Is omega-3 of any use? I see it’s no longer said to protect your heart.

AThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) told doctors to stop prescribing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids because studies show supplements aren’t as effective as previously believed in preventing heart disease. Also, a recent Cochrane review of 36 studies looking at depression found any beneficial effect of omega-3 too small to be useful.

Omega-3 fatty acids are still important fats we need to get from our diet, as the body can’t make them from other dietary fats. The British Dietetic Association (bda.uk.com) provides advice if you look at its Food Fact Sheet on omega-3. These fats are found in high amounts in oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel. If you’ve had a heart attack, you should eat two to four portions of oily fish a week. If you find it difficult to naturally increase the amount of omega-3 in your diet, buy supplements.