New research indicates fish oil supplements may pose risks for those in good health but offer benefits for those with existing cardiovascular conditions. Credit: SciTechDaily.com A comprehensive study published in BMJ Medicine reveals that while regular fish oil supplement usage might increase the risk of heart disease and stroke in individuals with no prior cardiovascular issues, it could also slow disease progression and reduce mortality in those with existing conditions.

Regular consumption of fish oil supplements could potentially increase, rather than reduce, the risk of initial heart disease and stroke in individuals with good cardiovascular health. However, it might also decelerate the progression of existing cardiovascular conditions and decrease mortality risks, according to a large long-term study published today (May 21) in the open access journal BMJ Medicine . Fish oil, a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, is often recommended as a dietary preventive to ward off the development of cardiovascular disease .

Yet, the actual protective benefits it offers remain uncertain, the researchers note. Research Goals and Participant Information To strengthen the evidence base, they set out to estimate the associations between fish oil supplements and new cases of atrial fibrillation; heart attack, stroke, and heart failure; and death from any cause in those with no known cardiovascular disease. And they assessed the potential role of these supplements on the risk of progre.