A Big Fish Tale?

If you take fish oil, you're not alone. The number of capsule gobblers number in the millions--- and I'm one of them.

There are have been a few studies out claiming fish oil supplements can add years to your life, mainly by lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. The reason: Omega-3 fatty acids, which protect blood vessels, and are hard to get if you're not a fish eater.

So now comes some research in the Journal of the American Medical Association which says those hopeful nibbles on your line arent anything more than that.

The research looks at 20 studies, involving more than 70,000 people that says fish oil may be the big promise that got away. In essence, people who take supplements do not live longer than those who don't take them.

However, before you cut bait, consider this. The research only looked at 20 studies. More than 1,000 have been done. And out of those 20, some lasted fewer than five years -- not really long enough to determine whether fish oil may help you live longer.

Therefore, I think the jury is still out -- the boat is still in the water -- the line is still cast -- and until I hear otherwise, a few cents of supplements a day for a guy who doesn't eat a lot of fish is still a good idea.