Fish oil supplements are commonly sold in the form of capsules or liquid cod liver oil. They contain valuable omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fatty fish, which help with nervous system function and boost the immune system.
Do Fish Oil Capsules Work? A Study Was Conducted
During the fall and winter seasons, we often see advertisements on radio and TV promoting golden capsules that are said to protect us from illness. While these supplements do strengthen the immune system, they also have a darker side. According to research conducted by UK Biobank, regularly taking fish oil capsules may actually harm your health.
The UK Biobank study lasted 12 years and observed 400,000 patients aged 40 to 69. Some participants took omega-3 supplements, while others did not. Among those who took the fish oil capsules, the risk of atrial fibrillation increased by 13%, and the risk of stroke by 5%.
Is It Worth Taking Omega-3 Supplements? A Cardiologist Has No Doubts - Mercury Is to Blame
Cardiologist Dr. Andrew Freemana from National Jewish Health in Denver believes that the harmful effects of the capsules are linked to ocean pollution, which causes the fish used to produce the oil to contain high levels of heavy metals and mercury. "The days when people went to the pharmacy and bought fish oil supplements by the bucketful should be over," he said in an interview with CNN. It's worth noting that omega-3 fatty acids are important, but they can be found not only in fish, but also in flaxseed oil, seeds, nuts, and flaxseeds.
