Are they actually helping your heart?
A recent study suggests that regular consumption of fish oil supplements may not confer as many health benefits as commonly believed. While the research indicates that fish oil could potentially aid individuals with existing heart conditions, it also raises concerns about its use among those with good heart health.
According to the study led by Dr. Hualiang Lin of Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China, healthy individuals taking fish oil supplements exhibited a 13% increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder associated with higher risks of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, they faced a 5% heightened risk of stroke.
However, for individuals already grappling with heart disease, fish oil supplementation appeared beneficial. Regular consumption reduced the risk of heart attack due to atrial fibrillation by 15% and lowered the risk of heart failure leading to death by 9%.
Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, emphasized the nuanced role of fish oil supplements, advising caution in their use for primary prevention but recognizing their potential benefits for those already afflicted with heart issues.
Dr. Richard Isaacson, director of research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Boca Raton, Fla., echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of assessing omega-3 fatty acid levels before considering fish oil supplementation. He recommended obtaining omega-3s from dietary sources like sardines and wild-caught salmon, cautioning against farm-raised salmon due to potential contaminants.
While fish oil remains a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to support heart and brain health, the study suggests that its effects may vary depending on an individual’s existing heart condition. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this discrepancy, the researchers concluded.
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