Fish oil supplements linked to increased heart disease risk: Study |
Fish oil supplements are often marketed for their omega-3 fatty acids, thought to benefit heart health. Yet recent evidence has challenged this long-standing belief, especially in people without existing cardiovascular disease. According to insights from the British Heart Foundation and a major study in BMJ Medicine, regular use of fish oil may slightly increase the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation in otherwise healthy individuals. However, for people already living with heart conditions, fish oil might reduce the risk of heart attack and even improve survival rates. These findings highlight the need for a balanced, personalised approach to supplementation.
The impact of fish oil supplements on heart health: Increased risk of stroke and heart disease
According to the British Heart Foundation, people without diagnosed heart or circulatory disease who regularly take fish oil supplements are around 13 per cent more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm, compared to non-users. In contrast, for individuals with existing heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure, the findings were more positive. In these cases, fish oil use was associated with a reduced risk of heart attack and, in some heart failure patients, a lower risk of death.
These insights highlight the importance of taking a personalised approach to supplementation. While omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain, eye, and heart health, relying on capsules may not always be the safest choice for otherwise healthy people. Instead, nutrition experts often recommend obtaining omega-3s through a balanced diet rich in oily fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils.
What to consider before adding fish oil to your routine
Putting these findings into a more practical perspective:1. Risk vs reminder: If you are otherwise healthy, taking fish oil supplements may not give the heart-health boost that many expect, and there could be a small increased risk for certain conditions.2. Benefits may depend on pre-existing conditions: The potential advantages seem stronger in those who already have cardiovascular disease. In such cases, fish oil might help manage progression or complications.3. Whole diet matters: Experts emphasise that it’s better to get omega-3s from dietary sources, like oily fish (salmon, mackerel), rather than relying purely on capsules. Balanced diet patterns, Mediterranean-type diets, still hold strong evidence for heart protection. Also read | Health risks of drinking water while standing: Heartburn, dizziness, joint strain, and more
Other key things to know about using fish oil supplements
If you’re thinking about fish oil supplements (or already taking them), here are some helpful considerations:
- Check your health status: Do you have any heart disease, arrhythmia, or risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes? Discuss with your doctor whether supplements are appropriate.
- Dosage and purity: Many studies report just “regular use” without clarity on the dose, formulation, or consistency. There’s variability in supplement quality.
- Other lifestyle factors: Fish oil is not a substitute for healthy habits. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and eating a diverse diet are all foundational to heart health.
- Balance risk and benefit: For healthy individuals, a small increased risk of atrial fibrillation or stroke must be balanced with the potential modest benefits. It may be safer to emphasise
dietary sources of omega-3 rather than supplements.
Alternatives and heart-friendly choices
If you want to support heart health with minimal risk, consider these:
- Oily fish (e.g. sardines, salmon, trout) several times per week.
- Plant-based omega-3 sources: flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts.
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.
