London, UK – A recent study published in the journal BMJ Medicine suggests that while fish oil supplements may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or stroke in some individuals, they could potentially reduce the risk for those who already have heart conditions. The research, conducted by a team of experts from China, the US, the UK, and Denmark, involved monitoring over 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank for an average of 12 years to evaluate the effects of fish oil supplements on heart health.
The findings of the study revealed that individuals without known cardiovascular disease who regularly took fish oil supplements experienced a 13% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation and a 5% higher risk of having a stroke. On the other hand, patients with pre-existing heart conditions saw a 15% lower risk of progressing from atrial fibrillation to a heart attack and a 9% lower risk of progressing from heart failure to death when taking fish oil supplements.
Despite these results, the study noted that the benefits and risks of omega-3 supplementation varied among different groups. For instance, the risk of developing heart-related conditions was found to be higher in women and non-smokers, while older individuals and men with existing heart issues seemed to benefit more from the supplements.
It’s important to acknowledge that this was an observational study, and thus no definitive conclusions about causality can be made. Additionally, the study lacked information on the specific dose and formulation of fish oil supplements used by the participants. The researchers also pointed out that the majority of participants were white, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other ethnic groups.
In response to the findings, Tracy Parker, a senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy diet over relying solely on supplements. Parker highlighted the traditional Mediterranean diet as a proven way to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke, recommending a balanced intake of fish, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Overall, while fish oil supplements may have varying effects on heart health depending on individual factors, it’s clear that a holistic approach to diet and lifestyle is crucial in maintaining cardiovascular health. The study underscores the complexity of nutritional interventions and the need for personalized approaches to managing heart conditions.