Several studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids, found in high concentrations in oily fish such as salmon, play a therapeutic role in maintaining cardiovascular health, cognitive skills, eyesight, and more, as we age. A study by Harvard University (Massachusetts, USA) researchers and sponsored by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Association of Schools of Public Health finds that omega-3 deficiency is the sixth biggest killer of Americans. 

The researchers drew on 2005 data from the US National Health Center for Health Statistics, assessing twelve dietary, lifestyle and metabolic risk factors and conducted a mathematical model to determine how many deaths could have been prevented were better practices followed.  The team determined that there were 72,000 to 96,000 preventable deaths each year due to omega-3 deficiency. This is more deadly than excess trans fat intake, which claimed 63,000 to 97,000 American lives the same year.