A plethora of research has discussed that popular forms of fish oil might not be as good for the heart as previously believed, and as per the results taking a lot of omega-3 fatty acids didn't make patients less likely to have a serious cardiovascular incident.

There is conflicting evidence supporting the consumption of fish oil for heart health. The kind of fish oil and the sort of placebo employed can frequently affect the outcomes. Cardiologists believe that various fish oils, especially the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have distinct effects on the body.

Current research favours the pure EPA prescription fish oil Vascepa above over-the-counter fish oil, low-dosage fish oil, and fish oils that combine DHA and EPA. This is good news for patients who are "searching for answers on fish oil." Additional research is required to compare various formulations of DHA and EPA fish oils to pure EPA fish oil, as well as purified EPA fish oil to a neutral corn oil placebo.

Omega-3 for the heart: 

It would be a stretch to claim that taking a fish oil supplement can make you healthy or even solve all of your heart-related problems. Your greatest bet is preventive care, which includes routine check-ups, a balanced diet, and exercise. 

Omega-3 fatty acids, however, have the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease when taken as dietary supplements, albeit this hasn't been proven in any group other than those who have recently experienced a cardiovascular event. Before including omega-3s in your diet, see your doctor to be sure they won't conflict with any existing medical issues or drugs you are taking. 

As with any supplement, you should be informed that they are not governed by the Food and Drug Administration and could include undesirable substances like saturated fatty acids as well as poisons like mercury. 

Effect of fish oil:

13,078 participants in the randomised clinical study were assigned at random to receive either a daily supplement of high-dose omega-3 fatty acids composed of both DHA and EPA or a maize oil placebo.

The patients had previously been identified as having high cardiovascular disease risk, hypertriglyceridemia, or low rates of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and they were already receiving statins which are drugs that decrease cholesterol.

Since there was no discernible distinction between the two groups, the trial was stopped early. Additionally, atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heartbeat) occurred in roughly 67 per cent of the patients receiving fish oil supplements, suggesting there may be an elevated risk with supplements containing combined EPA and DHA fatty acids.

The EPA-DHA omega-3 fatty acid combination is thus not advised by the researchers to lower cardiovascular events.

Risks associated with fish:

According to several studies, having high blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids raises your chance of developing prostate cancer. However, according to some research, they might avert prostate cancer.

These studies were all inconclusive. More study is required. Your healthcare practitioner can help you understand what this possible risk could imply for you.

Some researchers are likewise concerned about eating farm-raised fish rather than wild-caught fish. When raising farmed fish, chemicals such as insecticides and antibiotics may be employed. The FDA has discovered that commercial fish's levels of pollutants don't appear to be harmful to health.

Conclusion:

The majority of the fish oil data is conflicting and differs depending on the types and concentrations of fish oils investigated as well as the type of placebo utilised. More study is required to determine the effects of various fish oils on the body.

All cardiologists concur that supplements including mixed DHA and EPA, low-dose fish oil, and over-the-counter fish oil products have little effect. According to researchers, some evidence favours the usage of prescription fish oil that has been refined. But overall, the data is murky. It's essential to speak with a doctor first if you're thinking about taking fish oil for your cardiovascular health. One conclusion is obvious given the modest increase in atrial fibrillation associated with fish oil use: patients should always talk to their doctor before taking any supplements, including fish oil.