Because of their omega-3 content, fish oil supplements are frequently used for heart health; however, a recent study indicates they may not be as helpful as previously believed. About 1 in 5 adults over 60 in the US regularly take these supplements to help protect their hearts. On the other hand, the research indicates that regular use of fish oil may raise the risk of atrial fibrillation or stroke in individuals with good cardiovascular health.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib or AF) is an irregular heartbeat that can feel like fluttering or pounding in the chest. “I can see the headline for this study as ‘Fish oil supplements: Is it time to dump them or not?'” cardiologist, Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver told CNN.
“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,” said Freeman, who was not involved in the study.
A large study involving over 415,000 people in the UK found a possible link between taking fish oil supplements and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and stroke in people with no prior heart problems. The study followed participants for an average of 12 years. Researchers also noted that some over-the-counter fish oil supplements may not be pure or consistent and could contain contaminants like mercury.
“In addition, studies over the last 10 years have not been very positive for over-the-counter fish oil,” he added. “Fish oil either has no benefit or in some cases it may harm, such as with stroke and AFib. So that’s not new.”
According to the study, those who took fish oil regularly had a 15% lower chance of going from atrial fibrillation to a heart attack and a 9% lower risk of going from heart failure to death if they already had heart disease at the start of the study.
According to Dr. Freeman, prescription fish oil supplements like Lovaza and Vascepa are used to treat cardiovascular disease risk factors like high blood fat (triglycerides).
“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,” Freeman said.
“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.”
Alzheimer’s preventive neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson, director of research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Boca Raton, Florida said that when it comes to fish oil, “the devil is in the details.”
“First, we recommend testing for omega-3 fatty acid levels – there are finger-prick tests you can buy online which are accurate – and then you should continue to test. You don’t want to take fish oil if you don’t need it,” he said.
Experts say people should try getting their omega-3 fatty acids from food sources. Algae and seaweed are decent nonfish sources of omega-3s as well. Chia seeds, edamame (soybeans), flaxseed, hempseeds and walnuts are other plant-based options that are high in omega-3s.
Experts say that prescription omega-3 fatty acids are superior to over-the-counter options.
