Janice R. Andrews
Unexpectedly, recent research indicates that fish oil supplements—which are highly valued for their cardiovascular advantages—may actually raise the risk of heart attack and stroke in those who have never had a heart attack or stroke before. The complicated role of fish oil in cardiovascular health is highlighted in this study by Chinese researchers, who also note the benefits of the oil for people who already have heart issues.
Data from 415,737 participants in the UK Biobank were evaluated for the study, which was published in BMJ Medicine. Approximately one-third of the patients routinely took fish oil supplements. According to the findings, heart-healthy people taking these supplements had a 5% increased risk of stroke and a 13% increased risk of atrial fibrillation when compared to non-users in good cardiovascular health.
In contrast, the results were better for those who already had cardiovascular disease. When taking fish oil supplements, these people had a 15% decreased chance of developing atrial fibrillation into a heart attack and a 9% decreased risk of passing away from heart failure.
Fish oil use needs to be recommended individually, according to Dr. Adedapo Adeyinka Iluyomade, a preventative cardiologist with the Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. He noted that rather than being recommended for primary prevention, fish oil may be more advantageous for people with preexisting cardiovascular issues. “These findings indicate that the recommendation of fish oil should be more selective and tailored to individual patient profiles,” he said.
Gender-specific and lifestyle-related differences were also discovered by the study. When using fish oil supplements, women and non-smokers had a 6% increased chance of developing heart disease or stroke from their current state of health. On the other hand, older individuals and men had a stronger protective benefit from fish oil.
Although omega-3 fatty acid-containing fish oil supplements are well-known for their capacity to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation, Chicago cardiologist Dr. Rohit Vuppuluri said that prescription-grade fish oil is better for medical conditions than over-the-counter alternatives. In order to obtain omega-3 fatty acids naturally, he also suggested eating salmon.
The study broadens the conflicting body of knowledge about the cardiovascular advantages of fish oil. Some studies have revealed minimal influence on overall cardiovascular mortality, while others have demonstrated significant advantages. Dietitian Elana Natker emphasized that the study was observational in nature and advocated for human clinical studies to demonstrate a causal link between omega-3 consumption and heart health outcomes.
The authors of the study came to the conclusion that more investigation is required to fully comprehend the mechanisms underlying these results and to ascertain the role of fish oil in the development and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Please refer to the complete study that was published in BMJ Medicine for more specific details.
