Fish oil supplements are commonly used to reduce cardiovascular risk, but researchers from China have found an association between fish oil supplements and heightened cardiovascular risk among individuals with no known cardiovascular disease. The study, published in the journal BMJ Medicine, analyzed data from 415,737 people in the UK Biobank, a third of whom took fish oil supplements. Those with good heart health who took fish oil had a 13% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation and a 5% higher risk of having a stroke, compared to those who did not take fish oil. However, individuals with cardiovascular disease who used fish oil had a lower risk of progressing to a heart attack or death.
Dr. Adedapo Adeyinka Iluyomade, a preventative cardiologist, noted that fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids are widely used for cardiovascular risk reduction, based on their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve lipid profiles. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil lower triglyceride levels, decrease blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. Dr. Rohit Vuppuluri, a cardiologist, recommended prescription-grade fish oil for medical treatment, while emphasizing the importance of consuming omega-3s daily through sources like fatty fish to ensure cardiovascular health.
Past research on the benefits of fish oil has shown mixed results. Some studies suggest a reduced risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death, while others show minimal or no impact on overall cardiovascular mortality. Elana Natker, a registered dietitian, suggested a daily intake of at least 500mg of omega-3s, whether through food sources or supplements, based on meta-analyses of human clinical trials that have shown reductions in heart attack and coronary heart disease-related deaths. However, the study authors emphasized the need for further research to determine the mechanisms behind cardiovascular disease events with regular fish oil supplement use.
The study found that the protective effect of fish oil on cardiovascular disease progression varied among different groups. Women and non-smokers who took fish oil had a higher risk of transitioning to heart attack, stroke, or heart failure, while men and older study participants experienced greater protection against progression to death. The authors highlighted the importance of individualized recommendations for fish oil supplementation, based on specific patient profiles and medical history. Regular use of fish oil supplements may have different roles in the progression of cardiovascular disease in various populations, according to the findings.
Experts recommend that patients seek out high-quality fish oil supplements for medical treatment and potentially combine them with dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids. While concerns have been raised about omega-3s increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation, smaller daily dosages have shown little to no impact on this heart condition. The study authors called for further research to explore the precise mechanisms of cardiovascular disease development and prognosis with regular fish oil supplement use. Overall, the study’s results suggest that the recommendation of fish oil supplements for cardiovascular health should be more selective and tailored to individual patient needs and characteristics.
