Fish oil supplements can increase risk of heart disease

Fish oil supplements, which are a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, can increase your risk of stroke and heart problems.

according to CNNA new study published in BMJ Medicine suggests that regularly taking fish oil supplements may increase, rather than decrease, the incidence of first stroke and atrial fibrillation in people with healthy hearts.

“The headline of this study is ‘Fish oil supplements: Is it time to throw them away, or should they?'” said cardiologist Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and health at National Jewish Health in Denver. I think so,” he said.

He added: “Most people consume commercially available fish oil, even though it is rarely recommended and is not listed in any professional medical association guidelines.”

“Additionally, research over the past decade has not shown very positive results for commercial fish oils,” Freeman noted.

He added: “Fish oil has either had no benefit or may even cause harm in some cases, such as for stroke and atrial fibrillation. So this is not something new.”

Researchers analyzed data from more than 415,000 people aged 40 to 69 from the UK Biobank and found that those without cardiovascular disease who took fish oil supplements had significantly lower atrial They were found to have a 13% higher risk of developing fibrillation.

“But doctors are cautious about using even high-purity, prescription-grade fish oil because there is a risk of atrial fibrillation and sometimes stroke,” Freeman explained.

“Overall, I would say that the days of going to the store and buying buckets of fish oil tablets to stay healthy are over,” Freeman said. “But for people who are already sick, fish oil may still be helpful. “Hmm,” he suggested.