EPOCH TIMES – The health benefits of fish oil are not universal, and taking it may even increase the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in some people.
During an interview on NTDTV’s “Health 1+1“ program, Dr. Liu Zhongping, a Taiwanese cardiologist, discussed fish oil’s efficacy, risks, and contradictions based on the latest research reports.
He also provided recommendations on how to ensure safe fish oil intake.
Fish oil is a popular dietary supplement because it is rich in polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. Its main compounds, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are widely recognized for their benefits to cardiovascular health.
However, ongoing debate surrounds the dosage, EPA and DHA concentrations, and potential contamination with heavy metals.
Risks Associated With Fish Oil
Recent studies reveal nuanced insights into the risks associated with fish oil supplements.
A prospective cohort study published in May in BMJ Medicine found that people without prior CVD who consumed fish oil regularly had an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke—13 percent and 5 percent, respectively.
In contrast, CVD patients who regularly took fish oil experienced reduced risks of both conditions. The risk of death from heart failure due to fibrillation converting to major adverse cardiovascular events, or atrial fibrillation converting to heart attack, was also reduced as a result.
The study followed data from nearly 416,000 people aged 40 to 69 from the UK Biodata Database. The average follow-up was about 12 years.
Additional studies offer mixed results regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular health.
A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of seven large randomized controlled trials confirmed the association between medium- and long-term supplementation with marine omega-3 fatty acids and increased risk of atrial fibrillation, particularly at dosages exceeding 1 gram per day …
