Fish oil does not prevent abnormal heart rhythm, study shows

Fish oil does not prevent abnormal heart rhythm, study shows

Fish oil in the form of omega-3 supplements is not effective in preventing or limiting cases of an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, American researchers say.

Atrial fibrillation causes the heart to pump blood inefficiently and predisposes to blood clots that can cause stroke or death. It was hoped that omega-3, long been established as generally good for the heart, may also benefit the two million Americans who suffer from the abnormal heart rhythm condition.  The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice weekly to reduce the risk of heart ailments.

But the study, presented on Monday in a conference of the American Heart Association in Chicago, has shown otherwise.

Lead researcher Dr. Peter Kowey of the Main Line Health Hospital System in Philadelphia and his team gave either placebo pills or omega-3 capsules to 663 people with atrial fibrillation. The patients were examined during the next six months for episodes of abnormal rhythm. The study authors concluded that there was no significant difference between the two groups, meaning, omega-3 supplements have not benefited patients with their atrial fibrillation at all.

The study, funded by GlaxoSmithKline PLC and published in the online edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that people may be misled into believing that costly supplements can benefit their health. Physicians have noted that more and more people are buying vitamins and supplements with dubious medical claims.

Another recent study also revealed that omega-3 supplements did not slow down the progression of cognitive decline of patients with Alzheimer’s.

Posted by George Daniels on Tuesday November 16 2010, 9:46 AM EST. Ref: AP. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0