In recent years, fish oil supplements have been considered to be one of the best products that can boost the heart health of humans. However, a new study that was published in the highly reputable BMJ Medicine raises concern on this unwavering notion. Scientists from the University of Copenhagen studied a group of people with no cardiovascular disease, and their intake of fish oil and other outcomes for an average of 12 years.
The study revealed a surprising link between regular fish oil supplementation and an increased risk of developing heart-related issues in healthy individuals. Those who regularly consumed fish oil supplements experienced a:
- 13% increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.
- 5% increased risk of experiencing a stroke.
“These results make the common perception that fish oil supplements are helpful for the heart questionable,” commented Dr. Christine Jensen, who is the researcher behind the study. Biochemical analyses by scientists indicate that for individuals with no prior heart disease, fish oil supplements should not be taken and may in fact be dangerous.
Additionally, alarming new research has uncovered the presence of microplastics in testicles, further complicating the understanding of health risks associated with environmental pollutants and dietary supplements.
Important Distinctions
Thus, it is noteworthy to say that the study was conducted on the population with no comorbidities of cardiovascular diseases. The researchers did discover, however, that concerning individuals who already have some sort of heart disease, fish oil does seem to help in certain ways.
- Progression from atrial fibrillation to a heart attack.
- Progression from heart failure to death.
These results indicate that fish oil can have a two-fold risky role in cardiovascular diseases, which can actually be a double-edged sword depending on a subject’s condition.
Experts Weigh In
Scientists and other specialists in cardiovascular health have been carefully studying the new research. Others have claimed that there is a need for more studies to validate such results and to also understand the underlying processes involved in CBT. Some critics note that such types of studies cannot establish causality, as the authors did in this type of research.
“As important as this study is, it is only a part of a lot of research work being conducted,” remarked Dr. David Lee, a cardiologist at the Johns Hopkins Medicine. “However, further research is needed in order to better determine if such preparations are safe and if they offer any advantages over the natural source of fish oil.”
For further information, you can refer to these resources:
- Regular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: What are some features of prospective cohort study: https://www. bmj. com/content/368/bmj. m456 This ‘ Original Research’ paper first appeared in BMJ Medicine.
- National Institutes of Health – Omega-3 Fatty Acids: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/ This webpage by the National Institutes of Health provides general information about omega-3 fatty acids, including their sources and potential health benefits.
- American Heart Association – Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/07/05/are-you-getting-enough-omega-3-fatty-acids The American Heart Association offers a balanced perspective on fish consumption and omega-3s, including potential benefits and considerations.
What to Do Now
Those who are currently taking fish oil supplements to treat or to prevent cardiovascular diseases; you should discuss the contents of this article with your doctor. The results might be discussed in reference to their specific medical history, and they might help direct a person in terms of whether or not they should lContinue to take the supplement.
As for fish oil, those not diagnosed with any cardiac situations should consult with their doctor the potential benefits and risks of starting fish oil supplements.
Overall, this investigation suggests that there is a need to fashionable individualised views toward heart health. Fish is still considered as an essential source of proteins that can be included in a heart healthy diet, however when it comes to fish oil capsules it is a lot more debatable.
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