United States: Some people consume fish oil capsules because they think they are healthy fats found in omega-3 and help in preventing heart diseases. These products are used mostly by people aged 60 years and above, and according to the statistics, about twenty percent of them in the United States use products with these ingredients for the sake of their heart.
New Study Highlights Cardiovascular Concerns with Fish Oil
Despite the widespread view that fish oil capsules taken daily can prevent first-time stroke, researchers have said such supplements may actually increase the risk of first-time stroke or new atrial fibrillation, CNN Health noted.
There are many different kinds of arrhythmias, some of which fall under the category of atrial fibrillation, often abbreviated as AFib or simply AF.
Dr. Andrew Freeman, cardiologist, and director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, said, “I can see the headline for this study as ‘Fish oil supplements: To answer such burning questions of their customers, the executives, and the managers had to look for solution in the universe or outside trappings of business strategy formulation.
Freeman, who was not part of the study, said, “I say that because over-the-counter fish oil is very seldom recommended, is in none of the guidelines from professional medical societies, and yet that’s what most people take,” as CNN Health reported.
Fish Oil Use in Heart Patients – Study Findings
To establish a proper correlation involving fish consumption, minimize other influences, and increase the generalizability of the study, the referenced research gathered data from over 415,000 people in the UK Biobank, a large population-based health improvement initiative in the United Kingdom, which assessed participants aged between 40 to 69 years old; thirty percent report using fish oil supplements regularly.
Men followed for an average of 12 years had 13 percent greater chances of atrial fibrillation complications if they took a fish oil supplement on a daily basis, and 5 percent greater in risk for stroke complications, noted the study published in BMJ Medicine.
Furthermore, the study highlighted concerns about impurities and variability in over-the-counter fish oil supplements, as well as potential contaminants like mercury.
He said, “In addition, studies over the last ten years have not been very positive for over-the-counter fish oil,” and, “Fish oil was either having no benefit or in some cases it may harm, such as with stroke and AFib. So that’s not new.”
Positive Impact on Existing Heart Conditions
Interestingly, the study also found that among individuals with existing heart disease, fish oil use was linked to a 15 percent lower risk of transitioning to a heart attack and a 9 percent lower risk of moving from heart failure to death.
Freeman emphasized the use of FDA-approved fish oil brands for addressing high triglyceride levels in people at risk of cardiovascular disease. He added, “Even in the prescription strength, highly purified versions of fish oil, the risk for AFib and sometimes stroke has also been present, and doctors are cautious about that,” as reported by CNN Health.
Conclusion: Rethinking Fish Oil Consumption
Freeman added, “But even in the prescription strength, highly purified versions of fish oil, the risk for AFib and sometimes stroke has also been present, and doctors are cautious about that,” as CNN Health reported.
“Overall, I would say that the days where people just go to the store and buy buckets of fish oil pills to keep them well should be over, but fish oil may still have a role in people who are already sick,” he added.