High-dose fish oil ‘ups AF risk’
The finding suggests a need for caution when prescribing omega-3 supplements, researchers say
New evidence confirms a safety signal for fish oil, showing the supplement is linked to an increased risk of developing AF.
The finding, from an updated meta-analysis, may warrant discussion with patients about the risks and benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly if the therapeutic dose is higher than 1g a day, US researchers say.
Pooled data from 81,000 elderly patients in seven trials suggested high-dose omega-3s may raise the risk of AF by almost 50%.
University of Sydney lipid specialist Associate Professor David Sullivan, who was not involved in the study, said fish oil could no longer be viewed as a treatment option “devoid of the potential for an adverse outcome”.
