In many bathrooms, bottles of capsulesfish oil have become as common as toothbrushes. Sold as a natural support for the heart and brain, these supplements based onomega‑3
have long reassured consumers. A large British study, however, has shaken up this image. She looked into what these capsules really do to the cardiovascular system.
Published in the journal BMJ Medicinethis analysis follows more than 415,000 adults for a dozen years. It describes a link between regular intake of fish oil supplements and the occurrence of certain heart attacks.
In initially healthy people, the risk of atrial fibrillation andStroke appears slightly increased. Heart patients sometimes seem to find it beneficial.
Fish oil: from an ally of the heart to a supplement under supervision
For years, thefish oil has been presented as protective thanks to its omega-3. Many French people take it in capsules, without a prescription, sometimes for years. Cardiologist Andrew Freeman recalls that “Over-the-counter fish oil is very rarely recommended and is not included in any professional medical society guidelines.”cited by Futura Sciences. A sentence that contrasts with marketing messages.
On the side of the authorities, theANSM and the European Medicines Agency have already reported an increased risk of atrial fibrillation with certain medicines rich in omega-3, especially at doses of 4 g per day.
ANSES also points out that large consumers of fish already achieve high intakes of EPA and DHA. Stacking capsules on these food intakes is therefore debated.
Stroke and atrial fibrillation: what the BMJ Medicine study reveals
The study is based on the cohort UK Biobank : 415,737 adults aged 40 to 69, followed for an average of 12 years, of whom approximately a third regularly took fish oil supplements. The researchers noted the appearance of atrial fibrillationstroke, heart attack, heart failure and death. In participants without cardiovascular disease, this regular use is associated with a 13% increase in the risk of atrial fibrillation and a 5% increase in the risk of stroke.
This picture changes in people already affected by cardiovascular disease. In this group, takingfish oil seems linked to a reduction of approximately 15% in the risk of having a heart attack after atrial fibrillation and of 9% in the risk of death in the event of heart failure. The authors remain cautious, because this is an observational study: other lifestyle factors may come into play, but the signal is worrying.
Fish oil, omega‑3 and safer everyday alternatives
For everyday life, specialists encourage favoring natural sources of omega-3: sardines, mackerel, wild salmon, herring, but also chia or flax seeds and nuts. Two servings of fatty fish per week already provide a good base, without using capsules.
Doctors remind that supplementation should not be started without prior assessment, especially in the event of a family history of stroke, arrhythmias or anticoagulant treatments. A discussion with a professional remains the best guide before deciding what to do with your bottle of fish oil.