Omega-3 and Irregular Heartbeat: Risk Shows Up at High Doses
Graded Preliminary — an expert opinion review discussing an updated analysis of existing studies; with no new data of its own, its conclusions remain preliminary.
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In the general adult population, up to 1,500 milligrams of EPA and DHA a day did not clearly raise the risk of atrial fibrillation.
Omega-3 fats from fish or capsules have a reputation for being good for the heart. Yet recent trials found more atrial fibrillation in people who took them. Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm problem in which the heart beats irregularly. A new expert review puts these results in context. For the general public, the authors see no meaningful rise in risk at usual amounts.
The worrying trials almost all used prescription-grade omega-3 products. Their participants were people at high risk of heart and blood vessel disease. The authors draw on an updated analysis of many studies. It suggests that up to 1,500 milligrams a day of EPA and DHA, the two main omega-3 fats, does not clearly raise the risk. This holds for food and supplements alike. People with long-term intakes in this range tended to have a lower risk.
The picture differs for people at high heart risk. In them, more than 1,500 milligrams a day might raise the risk by about 43 percent. In absolute terms, that is less than one percentage point. The authors still judge the balance of benefit and risk as favorable. This is an expert reading of existing data, not a new study of its own.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.