Doctors have questioned the benefits of fish oil supplements

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Ann Marie Navar, associate professor of cardiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, has doubted the benefits of fish oil supplements.

Navar said that she is one of the authors of a study that studied the beneficial properties of more than two thousand fish oil supplements. Scientists did not find any health benefits of such drugs. “Fish oil supplements do not prevent heart attacks or strokes,” Navarre emphasized.

The expert explained that the belief in the benefits of fish oil arose for several reasons. First, regular consumption of fatty fish, which is rich in omega-3 acids, does indeed reduce the risk of heart disease and arthritis. “This has led people to think that fish oil can also be beneficial,” the doctor suggested.

Second, Navarre continued, manufacturers of dietary supplements provide consumers with inaccurate information and convince them of the healing properties of their products. For example, packages often say that fish oil supports or promotes heart health, but there is no scientific evidence for this.

Cardiologist Timothy Jacobson added that in some cases, taking fish oil is not only useless, but can even be harmful. “There is evidence that these supplements may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation,” the doctor said. As an alternative to fish oil, he advised eating more natural fish and consulting a doctor about the need for nutritional supplements.