Don't die from an overdose
Excess omega-3 increases the risk of atrial fibrillation by 49%
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
Although omega-3 fatty acids are very important for the healthy functioning of the body, scientists have found that high dosages of supplements seriously increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. This is a very common condition that affects men more often and does not spare even trained marathon runners.
Article by Gencer et al. Effect of Long-Term Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Randomized Controlled Trials of Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis published in the journal Circulation – VM.
The team from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center decided to clarify the benefits of omega-3 in terms of the risks of atrial fibrillation — a condition of abnormal heart rhythm. Some studies claim that the risks depend on the dosage, others point to the absence of such a relationship. They conducted a meta-analysis and studied the data of more than 81 thousand men and women aged about 65 years.
The results were very disappointing: among the participants who took omega-3 at a dosage of more than a gram per day, the risk of atrial fibrillation was 49% higher. Taking the supplement at a dosage of one gram or less increased the risks by 12%.
"If a doctor prescribes high omega-3 supplements, then it is first necessary to assess the potential risks and explain to the patient the signs of early symptoms of atrial fibrillation, so as not to miss the onset of the disease," said the author of the work Kristina Albert.
Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Most often, the disease manifests itself in men, as well as against the background of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes. In addition, fans of intensive endurance exercises, including marathon runners, are at risk.
Currently, most experts agree that the best source of omega-3 is fish in the diet several times a week.
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