Study details fish oil risks

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal Medicine (BMJ) reported a confusing outcome. The authors found regular use of fish oil supplements by healthy individuals could increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. However, for those who already have the condition, taking fish oil supplements decreased the risk of further development and improved their health.



It’s important to note, this study was designed to report correlation, not causation. Additionally, the study had significant limitations, as it did not control for the amount, quality, or purity of the fish oil taken. Certainly, more research is needed.

However, this topic highlights a key issue: the difference between the foundational and therapeutic use of supplements. Numerous studies have shown that fish oil supplements can provide therapeutic benefits. For example, taking a high dose of isolated omega-3s from fish oil can lower triglycerides, which I call therapeutic use—using a supplement as a natural medicine.

On the other hand, there is a separate body of research that discusses the general health benefits of eating wild-caught fatty fish, like wild Alaskan salmon, three or more times per week. This is good foundational nutrition. The important question is: which do you need?

For many, the answer is foundational. In that case, my favorite product is Wholemega by New Chapter. Wholemega is different from most fish oil supplements because it is not purified or isolated. Wholemega is cold-pressed, and just like a piece of wild salmon, naturally contains 16 different essential fatty acids, vitamin D, and even astaxanthin, the powerful antioxidant that gives salmon its color. Simply put, it is the closest thing to eating wild Alaskan salmon, something I think all health experts can agree on.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.