Potential Risks of Fish Oil Supplements on Heart Health Uncovered in Recent Study
New research suggests that fish oil supplements might increase the likelihood of stroke and atrial fibrillation, a type of heart disease, highlighting potential risks to heart health.
Join CNN’s Eat, But Better: Mediterranean Style program to discover a tasty and healthy eating plan recommended by experts that can improve your overall well-being.
One common method to protect your heart health is by taking fish oil supplements daily, as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
About 20% of adults older than age 60 in the United States frequently use these products with the aim of supporting heart health.
Soft focus of jar with sleeping pills and glass of water placed on bedside table near sleeping female in morning at home.
Soft focus of jar with sleeping pills and glass of water placed on bedside table near sleeping female in morning at home.
Sergey Mironov/Moment RF/Getty Images
Related article
Should I take supplements to help me sleep? A doctor explains
A new study has revealed that regular intake of fish oil supplements could actually raise the risk of first-time stroke and atrial fibrillation among individuals with good cardiovascular health.
Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, is a form of arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat, often described by individuals as a flutter or pounding sensation in their chests.
Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, suggested a headline for the study: "Fish oil supplements: Is it time to dump them or not?" According to him, over-the-counter fish oil is rarely recommended, not mentioned in any professional medical guidelines, and yet it is the most commonly used by people. Freeman, who was not part of the study, emphasized the discrepancy between the popularity of fish oil supplements and their lack of endorsement by medical societies.
The study looked at information from more than 415,000 individuals between the ages of 40 and 69 who were part of the UK Biobank study in the United Kingdom. Among these participants, around one-third reported taking fish oil supplements regularly during the study period, which lasted an average of 12 years.
Regularly taking fish oil supplements may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation by 13% and the risk of stroke by 5%, as reported in a study published in the journal BMJ Medicine on Tuesday.
Over-the-counter fish oil supplements may lack purity and consistency, and may contain contaminants like mercury that are found in fish, according to Freeman.
Cannabis plant
Cannabis plant
Michael Fischer/iStockphoto/Getty Images/FILE
Related article
Marijuana users have been found to have higher levels of heavy metals in their bodies. Additionally, recent studies on over-the-counter fish oil have not shown very positive results. Research over the past decade has indicated that fish oil may not provide any benefits and in some cases, it could even be harmful, especially in relation to stroke and AFib. This information is not new.
The new study discovered that individuals with pre-existing heart disease had a 15% reduced risk of atrial fibrillation progressing to a heart attack and a 9% reduced risk of heart failure progressing to death when they consistently took fish oil supplements.
Prescription fish oil medications like Vascepa and Lovaza are prescribed to address risk factors like high triglycerides, a type of blood fat, in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Freeman.
Freeman mentioned that even in the prescription strength, highly purified versions of fish oil, there is still a risk for AFib and sometimes stroke. Doctors are cautious about this potential risk.
He also stated that the days of people simply buying buckets of fish oil pills from the store to stay healthy should be over. However, fish oil may still be beneficial for individuals who are already dealing with health issues.
Fish oil may help with certain heart conditions, but should only be taken after discussing with a doctor, experts say.
Fish oil may help with certain heart conditions, but should only be taken after discussing with a doctor, experts say.
sasirin pamai/iStockphoto/Getty Images/File
Try to use food sources for omega-3s
When it comes to fish oil, Dr. Richard Isaacson, an Alzheimer’s preventive neurologist, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the details. He suggests starting with testing for omega-3 fatty acid levels using finger-prick tests available online, which are accurate. It is crucial to continue monitoring these levels to determine if taking fish oil is necessary.
Isaacson suggests getting your omega-3 fatty acids from food sources like sardines and wild-caught salmon, as they are rich in healthy unsaturated fats and have lower mercury levels. He advises against farm-raised salmon because of potential impurities in the water where they are raised.
CNN
video
Related video
Mercury found in some beauty products can enter the bloodstream, the brain and breastmilk
Lake trout, mackerel, herring, and albacore tuna are good sources of omega-3s. However, due to high mercury levels in large fish like tuna, it is recommended to limit albacore tuna consumption to twice a week.
For those who prefer non-fish sources, algae and seaweed are decent options for omega-3s. Other plant-based alternatives include chia seeds, edamame (soy beans), flaxseed, hempseeds, and walnuts. It is important to note that the fatty acids in plant-based sources are different from those found in fish. Studies suggest that plant-based omega-3s may be more challenging to metabolize in individuals with higher levels of omega-6s, which are primarily found in vegetable oils.
If you require supplements
It is recommended by experts to opt for prescription omega-3 fatty acids over the counter options because of their purity and quality. However, prescribed supplements can be costly. In case you choose to buy over-the-counter omega-3s, Isaacson gives these tips to his patients.
First, freshness of the fish oil is key, he said, adding that “buying from an online or retail superstore, such as Amazon or Costco, isn’t the best idea.”
Whether you should take digestive enzyme supplements depends on several factors, experts say.
Whether you should take digestive enzyme supplements depends on several factors, experts say.
milan2099/E+/Getty Images
Related article
Do digestive enzyme supplements really work? Experts weigh in
Isaacson suggests purchasing fish oil from a small number of trustworthy companies through their official websites. He emphasizes the significant contrast in quality between fish oil that has been sitting in a hot warehouse near its expiration date versus fresh fish oil that has been recently manufactured, shipped directly from the company, and stored in a home refrigerator.
The US Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the supplement industry to ensure that each vitamin or mineral in a product matches what is listed on the label. Additionally, the federal agency does not conduct tests to check for contamination of ingredients with bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides, plastic residues, or other impurities.
Some companies have taken on the responsibility of testing supplements and pharmaceuticals to ensure their quality. Before buying supplements, check for labels from these companies. The nonprofit organization US Pharmacopeia (USP) is known for setting high standards for supplements. Other third-party testing organizations include ConsumerLab.com and NSF International.
Editor's P/S:
The article presents conflicting information regarding the benefits of fish oil supplements. While it initially suggests that fish oil is recommended by experts and can improve heart health, it later reveals a study indicating that regular intake may increase the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation. This inconsistency raises concerns about the reliability of fish oil supplements and highlights the need for further research.
The article emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before taking fish oil supplements and recommends getting omega-3 fatty acids from food sources instead. However, it also acknowledges that prescription omega-3 fatty acids may be necessary for certain individuals. It is crucial for consumers to be informed about the potential risks and benefits of fish oil supplements and to make informed decisions based on their individual health needs and under the guidance of medical professionals.
