The impact of fish oil on heart health: a study.

Some studies even indicate that they may be harmful to health. For instance, VITAL, a scientific study involving around 26,000 adults in the United States aged 50 and older without a history of heart disease, stroke, or cancer, revealed the following.

“Taking 1 g of omega-3 supplements daily did not lead to a significant reduction in the overall risk of serious cardiovascular diseases. However, when researchers compared those who consumed more fish before taking the supplements with those who ate less fish, it turned out that a higher intake of omega-3 was associated with a statistically significant 19% reduction in the development of serious cardiovascular diseases,” the study states.

When specialists focused on heart attacks, they found a statistically significant 28% reduction in the risk of occurrence for adults taking omega-3 compared to placebo in the overall study population. For those who initially consumed little fish, the risk decreased by 40%. The greatest benefit of taking omega-3 supplements for reducing the likelihood of a heart attack was observed in people who ate little fish, African Americans (a 77% reduction), and those with two or more risk factors for heart disease (a 44% reduction).

“But the problem is that it is still unclear how omega-3 or fish oil affects health. For example, it is not known which prescription forms of omega-3 or fish oil supplements actually combat heart diseases and other cardiovascular conditions, which specific fatty acids in fish oil are responsible for its purported heart-healthy effects, and what mechanisms are involved,” the scientists explain.

Additionally, some studies suggest that there are potential risks associated with fish oil supplements. These include contamination with heavy metals (such as mercury); oxidation of the oil contained in fish oil capsules, which may increase the likelihood of artery blockage. At high doses, prescription omega-3 and fish oil supplements may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, which causes the heart to beat faster and raises the risk of bleeding.