Research suggests that consuming fish oil supplements could potentially harm the heart.

New research indicates that fish oil supplements could potentially harm the heart.

Around 20% of adults who are sixty or older in the US frequently utilize certain products to support their cardiovascular health.

Although fish oil supplements are popular amongst these individuals, a new study suggests that their regular use may actually heighten rather than reduce the risk of experiencing a first-time stroke or atrial fibrillation (also known as AFib) amongst those in generally good heart health.

Atrial fibrillation refers to an irregular heartbeat, often described as a flutter or a pounding sensation. Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist and the director of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, believes there's a question regarding the efficacy of these over-the-counter fish oil supplements. "I can envision the title of this study being 'Is it time to throw away fish oil pills?'," he says.

Freeman, who wasn't involved in the study, also mentions that while these supplements aren't typically suggested, they're still very popular. He explains, "The majority of people take these supplements, yet none of the professional medical societies recommend them, including doctors and cardiologists."

Fish Oil Beneficial Only for Individuals with Existing Heart Issues

The study which was published in the BMJ Medicine journal was based on 415,000 participants who were 40 to 69 years old and participating in the UK Biobank, a long-term investigation that tracked the health of individuals in the United Kingdom. About one-third of these individuals had regularly used fish oil supplements during the 12-year research period.

For those without previously existing heart issues, the study found that using fish oil supplements on a regular basis increased the risk of experiencing AFib by 13% and the likelihood of having a stroke by 5%. Freeman highlights the quality concerns of over-the-counter fish oil products. "They don't possess the same consistency and purity level when compared to prescription fish oil products," he explains.

"Furthermore, several studies over the last decade have not been very encouraging, painting a picture of either no advantages or potentially detrimental consequences of over-the-counter fish oil, including patients experiencing adverse effects such as stroke and AFib," Freeman notes.

Interestingly, people with pre-existing heart problems at the beginning of the study actually experienced a reduced risk of progressing from AFib to a heart attack by 15% and a 9% decreased risk of progressing from heart failure to death when they took fish oil supplements regularly.

Prescription Fish Oil May Be Beneficial for Some

Medically-prescribed fish oil versions like Vascepa and Lovaza are designed to tackle specific risk factors such as high triglycerides, a type of blood fat, in individuals with cardiovascular disease. However, even these highly purified versions of fish oil have a slightly elevated potential for AFib and, in some cases, stroke, so doctors are cautious about recommending them.

"In general," Freeman says, "the era of storing buckets of fish oil pills to maintain overall wellbeing should have come to an end. While fish oil still has some value for individuals who suffer from heart ailments."

Food Sources May Be Better

Alzheimer's disease prevention neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson, who leads the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Boca Raton, Florida, says it's essential to consider the details when discussing fish oil. "Get your omega-3 fatty acids from food sources," he advocates. "Sardines and wild-caught salmon are outstanding natural sources of these healthy unsaturated fats, with much lower levels of mercury."

Additional sources include lake trout, mackerel, herring, and albacore tuna. However, Isaacson urgently advises against consuming too much albacore tuna due to the high mercury levels contained in large fish. Plant-based sources like chia seeds, edamame, flaxseed, hempseeds, and walnuts are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. But the fatty acids in these foods are a different form than those found in fish. Studies have shown that people with higher levels of omega-6s, a different type of unsaturated fats commonly found in vegetable oils, may find it challenging to metabolize plant-based omega-3s effectively.

If Supplements are Required

While prescription-strength omega-3 fatty acids are said to be more effective, they can sometimes be expensive. If you're thinking of purchasing over-the-counter omega-3 supplements, Isaacson suggests keeping the following tips in mind before making a purchase:

Focus on the freshness of the fish oil because it's essential for maximum efficacy.
Avoid buying fish oil from online or retail superstores.

"These over-the-counter fish oil pills can be a valuable option for individuals who need them, but it's crucial to exercise caution. I highly recommend discussing the matter with your physician before making any decisions," Isaacson advises.

"Ultimately, it all boils down to the details," Freeman summarizes. "If you're going to take omega-3 supplements, make sure you're taking the right ones in the best way."

"It's highly recommended to purchase fish oil only from a few reliable companies, and specifically from their own websites," Isaacson suggested. "The difference in quality between fish oil stored in a hot warehouse near expiration and freshly produced fish oil sent directly from the company and kept in your fridge at home is like night and day."

The US Food and Drug Administration doesn't keep an eye on the supplement industry to ensure every vitamin or mineral listed on the label accurately represents the product. Additionally, they don't check for potential contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides, and plastic residues.

Luckily, there are some businesses that have taken it upon themselves to test various supplements and even certain pharmaceuticals. Two of these organizations are the nonprofit organization US Pharmacopeia and ConsumerLab.com, who both conduct third-party testing. Keep an eye out for their labels on the supplements you're about to buy.

Fish oil may help with certain heart conditions, but should only be taken after discussing with a doctor, experts say.

Read also:

Despite the popularity of fish oil supplements among older adults for cardiovascular health support, a new study suggests that their regular use could increase the risk of experiencing a first-time stroke or atrial fibrillation (AFib) in individuals with generally good heart health. This raises concerns about the efficacy of over-the-counter fish oil supplements, especially when considering the inconsistent and impure quality of such products.

Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist, suggests considering food sources of omega-3 fatty acids, like sardines, wild-caught salmon, lake trout, and flaxseeds, as healthier and potentially more effective alternatives to supplements. He emphasizes the importance of consulting with a physician before making any decisions regarding fish oil supplements.

Source: edition.cnn.com