IS FISH OIL SUPPLEMENT IS GOOD FOR HEART HEALTH OR NOT?

Fish oil supplements is considered as a good source of poly unsaturated fatty acids or omega 3 fatty acids especially eicosapenpaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is basically derived from the tissues of oily fish. It is essential nutrient which our cannot make itself. We should take it from our diet.

FUNCTIONS OF OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS IN OUR BODY
Omega 3 fatty acids has very important role in our body. Anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and antioxidative properties not only improves vascular endothelial cells and heart health but also helpful in lipids profiles management. Omega 3 fatty acids is also good for brain by building up brain cells. Therefore, it has very important for heart and brain health and functions.

HOW FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS USE IS BENEFICAL IN PATIENT WITH ESTABLISHED CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE?
As we already discussed that omega 3 fatty acids are very important for heart. EPA and DHA have lipid lowering properties which reduces hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides is considered as bad cholesterol or fat for body) which is helpful in preventing fat build up (atherosclerotic plaque) in the arteries. Through its anti-thrombotic effects prevent thrombosis formation which results in improvement of endothelial function. Fish oil supplements have indirect influence on electrical activity of heart through autonomic nervous system and also has direct influence on electrical activity of heart which results in improvement of cardiac rhythm. In the light of aforementioned discussion, we can say that, why the findings of study indicates that the regular use of fish oil supplements showed the 15% reduction in the risk of atrial fibrillation progression to have heart attack and the 9% reduction in the risk of heart failure progression into death in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we can say that according to risk to benefit ratio, the benefits of the use of fish oil supplements in patients with established cardiovascular disease is greater than risk.

HOW FISH OIL USE IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUAL IS THE RISK FACTOR OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN THE LIGHT OF LATEST FINDINGS OF STUDY
People consumed fish oil supplements for their well-being and good heart health with or without prescription. According to latest findings of study, regular use of fish oil supplements in healthy population has 13 % higher gamble of creating atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythms) and 5%higher risk of having stroke. Therefore, according to risk to benefits ratio, the risk associated with the use of fish oil supplements in healthy individual is greater than benefits.

WHY FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS WORK DIFFERENTLY IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUAL?
This is not very much clear but it may due to disturbance of fatty acid level within the body. At the same time, it also increases risk of bleeding due to its anticoagulant properties.

CONCLUSION
When someone is healthy with no cardiovascular disease, fish oil supplements should be taken with the consultation of physicians. Always prefer medical grade fish oil supplements. Over the counter fish oil supplements must be avoided because it may be contaminated with heavy metal like mercury. Diet is the best source to get omega 3 fatty acid as compare to supplements (may be harmful for body). Future studies and human clinical trials will be helpful in understanding the fact that why omega 3 fatty acids supplements use is harmful in healthy individual.