Fish oils and other supplements. Should we favor natural foods rather than pills?

Fish oil supplements are popular among people concerned about heart health, but a new study raises concerns about a possible link to the development of heart problems.

Experts are now speaking out and warning against supplements in general.

Results are mixed when it comes to taking fish oil supplements. British researchers found that people without a history of heart disease who regularly took omega-3 fatty acids had a 13% increased risk of atrial fibrillation and a 5% higher risk of stroke.

But the study also found that people with heart disease who took fish oil had a 15 percent lower risk of developing more serious heart problems.

Cardiologists say no trial to date has demonstrated significant cardiac benefit. Doctors recommend using food as medicine instead.

The same advice applies to many other supplements.

“What we really need is fruits and vegetables in their natural form. That’s how your body can better absorb vitamins,” said internist Dr. Megan Mescher-Cox, Dignity Regional Medical Center. Health St. John’s.

She said our bodies can’t absorb all the nutrients in supplements. But they are recommended for patients with vitamin deficiency.

“I take vitamin B for vitamin B deficiency,” said Leticia Garcia, 61, of Ventura.

Recently, she became vegan and does not consume any animal products. Her doctor therefore recommends that she take B-12 supplements.

“If someone is following a completely plant-based diet, we recommend taking a B-12 supplement once or twice a week,” she said.

Mescher-Cox said various symptoms of vitamin toxicity include vomiting, body pain and irregular heartbeat.

Experts advise taking a look at the tolerable upper intake level, or UL. This is the daily maximum of vitamins and minerals you can take without adverse health effects.

The UL can be found on product and government websites. But doctors warn that the measurements may not be accurate.

“The actual active ingredient can change from bottle to bottle,” Mescher-Cox said.

Garcia no longer takes multivitamins.

“I was told it was kind of a waste of money because that’s where we urinate most of the time,” she said.

“Save your money and don’t buy all these supplements. Instead, you can spend that money on fruits and vegetables,” Mescher-Cox said.

She recommends eating a variety and aiming for 9 to 11 servings per day.