After years of recommending fish oil supplements to patients as a way to combat cardiovascular disease (CVD), a Pennsylvania cardiologist has reversed course and now fears that they may be harmful.
David Becker, MD, a veteran cardiologist with Chestnut Hill Temple Cardiology in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, detailed his change of heart in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Becker noted that he spent many years emphasizing that fish oil supplements can help limit certain health issues, including CVD. He even hosted a radio show for years where he would regularly mention omega-3 fatty acids as a helpful way to boost your health.
“There was good science behind it at the time, as fish oil had been shown to be anti-inflammatory, several studies had demonstrated a lower risk of heart attacks and there seemed to be no downside risk,” he explained. “There were few side effects other than burping up an occasional taste of fish.”
Recent research, however, has caused Becker to reconsider his previous stance. He cited multiple studies — including this analysis from European Heart Journal: Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy — that painted a slightly confusing picture about what, exactly, these supplements mean for a patient’s wellbeing.[1] The potential of inadvertently increasing a person’s risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), for instance, really grabbed his attention.
“Fish oil can no longer be considered harmless,” he wrote. “In high doses, it can increase the risk of developing AFib.”
Becker noted that, going forward, he is no longer recommend fish oil supplements to help fight cardiovascular disease.
Read full opinion piece in the Philadelphia Inquirer
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Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.