Taking fish oil supplements could raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study suggests. The research, which was published in The BMJ (British Medical Journal), indicates that among healthy individuals, regular use of fish oil may increase susceptibility to developing heart disease and stroke for the first time.
However, for those with existing heart disease, fish oil consumption showed benefits, such as slowing the progression of cardiovascular disease and reducing mortality risk.
Study Overview
Researchers analyzed nearly 12 years of data from the UK Biobank study, encompassing over 415,000 participants aged 40 to 69. This large-scale study provided a comprehensive look at the impact of fish oil supplements on heart health.
“Regular use of fish oil supplements might be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and stroke among the general population, but could be beneficial for the progression of cardiovascular disease from atrial fibrillation to major adverse cardiovascular events, and from atrial fibrillation to death,” the researchers wrote.
Conflicting Data and Expert Opinions
Dr. Jim Liu, a cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the ongoing debate about the benefits and risks of fish oil.
“This study appears to echo the sentiment that there is still some uncertainty about their relation to heart health,” he told Fox News Digital.
Understanding the Risks and Benefits
The study found that among those without known cardiovascular disease (CVD) at the start, regular use of fish oil supplements was linked to a 13% increased risk of atrial fibrillation and a 5% greater risk of stroke.
Conversely, for those with existing CVD, regular use was associated with a 15% lower risk of progressing from atrial fibrillation to a heart attack and a 9% lower risk of moving from heart failure to death.
Dietitians’ Insights on Fish Oil Supplements
Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist, advised taking these results with caution, highlighting that the study was prospective, meaning it monitored self-reported data over time.
“We don’t know about the population of healthy participants and why they decided to take fish oil,” Freirich noted. Freirich recommended getting omega-3s from food sources such as salmon, sardines, tuna, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and almonds.
“Many people do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet, and this can be a great way to consume healthy fats while also benefiting from protein and sources of fiber,” she said.
Health Professionals’ Recommendations
Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, agreed that high doses of fish oil supplements might elevate the risk of atrial fibrillation.
She emphasized the importance of consulting with a registered dietitian to determine the potential benefits and appropriate dosage of fish oil supplements.
Key Takeaways
Fish oil supplements may increase the risk of a first-time heart attack and stroke in healthy individuals.
For those with existing cardiovascular disease, fish oil supplements can slow disease progression and reduce mortality risk. Experts recommend getting omega-3 fatty acids from food sources and consulting healthcare providers before taking supplements.
While fish oil supplements offer significant benefits for individuals with existing heart conditions, they may pose risks for healthy individuals.
It’s essential to approach supplement use with caution and seek personalized advice from healthcare professionals. A balanced diet rich in natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids remains a recommended strategy for supporting heart health.
This nuanced understanding emphasizes that fish oil supplements are not universally beneficial or harmful, but their impact can vary based on individual health conditions and dietary habits.
The Information is Taken from Various Journals and Recent Research.
