ORLANDO, Fla. – Fish oil supplements are long touted for their omega-3 fatty acids and claimed health benefits.
One in five Americans over the age of 60 takes fish oil supplements for various health benefits, like better heart, brain, eye, joint and skin health.
But despite these potential benefits, fish oil supplements are under scrutiny as researchers uncover potential risks associated with their usage, particularly in high doses.
“For individuals that are already meeting the recommended daily allowance, there’s no evidence that more is better, even for bone health or fracture reduction, in that, we shouldn’t be pushing individuals to be taking more beyond the recommended daily allowance,” said Dr. Erin Michos,, associated professor of Medicine, associated director of Preventive Cardiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
A 2021 study linked high doses of fish oil to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke, particularly in individuals taking statins. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on heart attacks and death.
“Forty-six percent of Americans are taking supplements, and the data for both calcium supplements and many other types of supplements and multivitamins, you know, it’s not clear, at all, for any kind of cancer benefit or cardiovascular benefit,” Michos explained. “So many individuals are taking these when many well-done clinical trials have shown that these supplements are no better than placebo. Patients should really discuss with their doctors, you know, do they need them, review their dietary intake and try to make a concerted effort to, you know, meet that recommended daily allowance.”
It’s crucial for consumers to understand that while omega-3 fatty acids are essential for overall health, they can also be obtained through a balanced diet rich in fish, nuts, and seeds.