Recent research suggests that taking fish oil supplements may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly among healthy individuals. The study, published in The BMJ (British Medical Journal), indicates that while fish oil consumption can slow the progression of cardiovascular disease and reduce mortality in those with existing heart conditions, it may pose a risk to others.
Study Details about Fish Oil Supplements
The study analyzed data from over 415,000 participants aged 40 to 69 from the UK Biobank study, spanning nearly 12 years. Among healthy individuals, regular use of fish oil was associated with a higher susceptibility to developing heart disease and stroke for the first time. However, among those with pre-existing heart disease, fish oil consumption showed benefits in slowing disease progression and reducing mortality.
Not Universally Good or Bad
Dr. Wei Liu, a cardiologist not involved in the study, emphasized that fish oil’s effects are not universally positive or negative. He highlighted the importance of considering individual health conditions, dosing, and formulation variations in determining whether fish oil is beneficial or harmful.
Dietitian Insights
Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist, cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from the study, noting its prospective nature. She recommended obtaining omega-3 fatty acids from food sources like fatty fish, ground flaxseed, and nuts, which offer additional nutritional benefits.
Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, echoed the sentiment that high doses of fish oil supplements could potentially elevate the risk of certain conditions like atrial fibrillation. She stressed the importance of consulting with a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate dosage and quality of fish oil supplements.
Final Thoughts
While fish oil supplements may offer benefits for individuals with existing heart conditions, their use among healthy individuals warrants careful consideration. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between fish oil consumption and cardiovascular health outcomes. As always, consulting with healthcare professionals before starting any supplement regimen is advisable.
