A recent study revealed that regular consumption of fish oil supplements may increase the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation among healthy individuals, according to a report published on CNN. Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, is a type of irregular heartbeat that can increase the risk of stroke.
The study provided an analysis of data from over 415,000 people over a span ranging from 40 to 69 years, part of a lengthy British study on cardiovascular health. Researchers found that regular intake of fish oil supplements was associated with a 13% increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation and a 5% increased risk of stroke.
Experts attribute this rise in risk to the lower quality and purity of the fish oil supplements that are marketed without a medical prescription, making them prone to contamination with pollutants, toxins, and heavy metals that come from fish. Additionally, previous studies have not positively addressed the benefits of fish oil in the last ten years, which raises concerns about its safety and efficacy without a medical prescription.
According to the latest study, consuming fish oil could reduce the transition from atrial fibrillation to heart failure by 15% among patients suffering from heart diseases, and it may reduce the transition from heart failure to death by 9%.
Doctors recommend testing omega-3 fatty acid levels before taking fish oil supplements, emphasizing obtaining these healthy fats from dietary sources such as salmon and sardines instead of relying on supplements. Experts also indicate that the fatty acids present in fish oil are considered the best choice due to their quality and availability.
