Fish oil supplements linked to higher risk of first heart attack in study: ‘Not universally good or bad’

Taking fish oil supplements could increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, a new study suggests.

Among healthy people, regular use of fish oil was found to make them more likely to develop heart disease and stroke for the first time, the study found.

However, among those who already had heart disease, consuming fish oil was shown to slow the progression of the disease. heart disease and reduce the risk of mortality.

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Researchers analyzed nearly 12 years of data on more than 415,000 participants from the UK Biobank study; participants were aged 40 to 69 years.

“Regular use of fish oil supplements may be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and stroke in the general population, but may be beneficial for the progression of cardiovascular disease from atrial fibrillation to “to major adverse cardiovascular events, and from atrial fibrillation to death”, the researchers wrote in the study published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal).

“Additional studies are needed to determine the precise mechanisms of cardiovascular disease development and prognosis related to regular use of fish oil supplements.”

Study highlights ‘uncertainty,’ says cardiologist

Dr. Jim Liu, a cardiologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center who was not involved in the study, pointed out that there is conflicting data on whether fish oil or Omega 3 fatty acids could help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. disease.

“This is another study that reminds us that there is still much to study when it comes to fish oil and heart disease.”

“This study seems to echo the same sentiment that there is still some uncertainty about their relationship with heart health” he told Fox News Digital.

“Similar to previous studiesI think this study indicates that fish oil is not necessarily universally good or bad for everyone. »

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Whether fish oil is beneficial or harmful depends on an individual’s specific underlying health conditions, such as a history of heart attack or atrial fibrillation, and other factors such as dosage and different formulations. of the substance.

“Previous studies have shown that certain fish oil formulations may help reduce cardiovascular events in people with high triglycerides and previous cardiovascular events,” Liu noted.

“Overall, this is another study that reminds us that there is still much to study when it comes to fish oil and heart disease.”

Dietitians weigh risks and benefits

Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, who practices as a lupus dietitian, was also not involved in the study but offered her insights.

“In this study, there was a slightly increased association between healthy people who took fish oil and developed atrial fibrillation and stroke, whereas for people who took fish oil after being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, there was a slight decrease of the association and risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke,” she told Fox News Digital.

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“Overall, I would say take these results with a grain of salt, as this was a prospective study.”

A prospective study monitors what people self-report and their possible health outcomes over time, she noted – compared to a control study, in which similar people are placed in two groups and one group takes fish oil while the other does not.

“We don’t know the population of healthy participants and why they decided to take fish oil,” Freirich said.

“Perhaps they have a family history of heart disease or other lifestyle characteristics that contribute to their risk of developing heart disease. atrial fibrillation and stroke apart from the fish oil supplement.

As a registered dietitian, Freirich said she recommends most people get their omega 3s from food sources such as salmon, sardines, tuna, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts and almonds.

“Making small changes to your diet over time can have big benefits in reducing your overall cardiovascular risk.”

“Many people don’t get enough omega 3 fatty acids in their diet, and this can be a great way to consume healthy fats while still benefiting from protein and fiber sources,” she said.

When preparing meals, replacing a serving of red meat with fatty fish can support heart health by decreasing saturated fat intake and increasing omega 3 intake, according to Freirich.

“Manufacturing small changes in your diet Over time, this can have great benefits in reducing your overall cardiovascular risk,” she advised.

“Always discuss your use of supplements with your medical providersbecause some may be unnecessary or even increase your risk of health problems. »

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Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based preventive cardiology dietitian at FullyNourished.com, agreed that previous research has indicated that taking high doses of fish oil supplements could potentially increase the risk of atrial fibrillation — while consuming it regularly fatty fish four to five times a week. can reduce this risk.

“We need to recognize that when it comes to fish oil — and many other foods and supplements — a larger or concentrated dose is not necessarily better,” said Routhenstein, who was not involved in the study, to Fox News Digital.

“It is also important to note that not all fish oil supplements are equal. Factors such as dosage, quality and additional ingredients can influence the cardiovascular system. health outcomes“.

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To determine the potential benefits of fish oil and the appropriate dosage, Routhenstein recommended consulting a dietitian who specializes in heart disease.

Fox News Digital has contacted the study researchers for more details, as well as several fish oil supplement manufacturers to request comment on the findings.

For more health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.