- One study found that fish oil supplements were associated with an increased initial risk of cardiovascular disease.
- However, they are beneficial for those who already have cardiovascular disease.
- It appears that fish oil supplements may pose more risks than benefits to healthy people.
- If you are currently healthy, experts recommend not taking fish oil supplements.
- A heart-healthy diet that contains omega-3 sources, such as fatty fish, may be best.
Fish oil from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and trout is recommended for its anti-inflammatory effects, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, dyslipidemia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Fatty fish is an excellent source of two omega-3 fatty acids that the body needs but cannot produce: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
While it might seem like a good idea for healthy people to supplement their diets with fish oil to prevent disease, results from a large, long-term study published in the journal BMJ Medicine on May 21, 2024, suggest that may not be the case.
For the first time, researchers have found that regular fish oil intake actually increases the risk of heart disease or stroke in healthy people.
However, regular use can help slow the progression of existing cardiovascular disease. It also helps reduce their risk of death.
Fish oil use increases risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy people
The researchers included 415,737 people from the UK Biobank study.
More than half (55%) of the participants were women, and their ages ranged from 40 to 69 years.
Information collected about the subjects included their use of fish oil supplements and dietary intake of fatty and non-oily fish.
People’s health will be tracked until they die or until the end of the study in March 2021.
About one-third reported regular use of fish oil supplements, with the majority being older, white and female.
Among people with no known cardiovascular disease at baseline, regular use of fish oil supplements was associated with a 13% increased risk of atrial fibrillation and a 5% increased risk of stroke.
However, regular fish oil users who had cardiovascular disease at the start of the study found a 15% lower risk of progression from atrial fibrillation to heart attack and a 9% lower risk of progression from heart failure to death.
Why fish oil may have different effects on healthy people
PhD. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements have been extensively studied and found to have anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects, explains Michael O. McKinney, MD, Ph.D., Healthy Outlook in Jacksonville, Florida.
“In individuals with cardiovascular disease, these properties may stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, reduce serum triglyceride levels, and improve endothelial function, thereby reducing cardiovascular side effects,” he said.
However, McKinney noted that when people are healthy, it’s not that simple.
“The potential benefits of high-dose omega-3 fatty acids may increase bleeding risk because their anticoagulant effects outweigh the benefits in individuals who are not at increased risk for cardiovascular disease,” he explained.
Taking fish oil supplements when healthy can also lead to fatty acid imbalances that may inadvertently increase the risk of heart disease, McKinney said.
PhD. Another factor to consider is that some studies have found that fish oil may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder, in healthy people, said Sarah Bonza, a board-certified family physician and founder of Bonza Health in Columbus, Ohio. arrhythmia), and atrial fibrillation is associated with arrhythmia. The risk of stroke is higher.
“However, in people with poor cardiovascular health, omega-3 fatty acids actually have anti-inflammatory and plaque-stabilizing effects,” she adds, “which can help slow the progression of cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.” Risk of cardiovascular disease and heart-related death. “
“Thus, for patients with compromised cardiovascular systems, the benefits may outweigh the risks,” Bonza said.
Expert Recommendations for Fish Oil Supplements
“If you’re in good health and want to use fish oil capsules to prevent heart disease, it’s best to reconsider your decision,” says Bonza.
She further explained that the American Heart Association does not advocate taking omega-3 supplements if you are at low risk for cardiovascular disease because the disease affects patients “much more.”
Instead, Bonza recommends a heart-healthy diet rich in natural sources of omega-3s, such as fish.
They believe it’s good for your health.
“On the other hand, individual health factors vary, so it’s important to talk to a health care provider first before deciding to change your supplement intake,” she adds. “To be safe, check with your doctor first.”
Dietary supplements that may provide similar benefits to fish oil
Bonza says she recommends supplementing with flaxseed oil or chia seeds rather than fish oil because of their high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content. It’s a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, she explains.
She recommends supplementing the diet with this fatty acid because it may have anti-inflammatory properties and may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health, but is not associated with a risk of atrial fibrillation.
“Additionally, a diet containing omega-3 fatty acids in the form of nuts, soy products and fortified foods can provide the same benefits without the need for high-dose supplements,” she adds.
McKinney also recommends supplementing with other heart-supporting supplements, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk.
“Additionally, everyone must consult with their healthcare provider so that individual patients can tailor nutritional supplement choices to their own health concerns and characteristics,” he concluded.
Take away
A new study finds that fish oil supplements increase the risk of heart disease and stroke in healthy people.
However, people with cardiovascular disease were protected against further progression of the disease.
This is an observational study. It does not prove causation.
Experts say the varying effects of fish oil on people’s risks may be because in healthy people, the risks associated with supplementing with fish oil, such as bleeding, fatty acid imbalances or atrial fibrillation, may outweigh the potential benefits.
For healthy people, it’s best to get omega-3 fatty acids from foods like fatty fish.
Flaxseed oil, chia seeds, omega-3 fortified foods, coenzyme Q10, and psyllium husk may be safer supplements for cardiovascular health.