I’ve got bad news for those of you that have been taking fish oil supplements in the hopes that it will help you manage Afib. Fish oil may have other benefits, but a recent study indicates that it probably isn’t doing that much for your heart.
64.1 percent of those taking fish oil for its omega-3 fatty acids experienced new bouts of atrial fibrillation over the course of 16 months, compared to 63.2 percent of those taking a placebo. Fish oil supplements also did not reduce the twin ills of inflammation or oxidative stress, which may explain why they didn’t guard against atrial fibrillation, the study authors noted.
“Fish oil has no role to play in the treatment of atrial fibrillation,” said lead researcher Dr. Anil Nigam, an associate professor in the department of medicine at the University of Montreal.
Fish oil supplements don’t seem to hurt anything either, mind you, so if you’re taking them for other reasons you might as well keep at it. However, if you’re just using the supplement for Afib alone you might as well spend your money elsewhere. You’ll get more mileage out of magnesium supplements, for example, since magnesium actually has a great deal to do with how the heart works.
Those who swear by fish oil are probably reaping indirect benefits. For example, fish oil is thought to work as a natural remedy for people with depression. That means it may help you manage stress better. Since stress can trigger Afib episodes there might be some loose correlation there. It’s just not doing anything for your heart directly.
James:
You are spot on with all of your comments about magnesium and potassium. These supplements are written about at great length by us afibbers:) I’d love to hear what specific supplements you take, how much you take, etc. I’ll send you a direct email to discuss this. Thanks!
Travis
Travis, Oh my I wouldnt trust that Marihoochi study, possibly done by an old stoner,, :) Just kidding, but for me, i did that a few years ago in brownie form, and wham, right into AF. Of course we re all different.
Oh the benefits of supplements is endless. Again, were all so different, so not all things work for all the same, just like were all on different Meds? This year, I had a bad reaction to Meds, Flecainide. and wanted to stop it. Of course Cardio doc was dead set against it. So just for grins I went to an ND. Long story, but pleasantly surprised, and havent taken as much as an aspirin since May.
Im not ready to throw out the baby with the bath water just yet. Interesting that when drugs and meds fail, its the patients fault, when natural cures fail, its quackery.Now on to that study which had some serious flaws. There was a recent one for Prostate cancer. In that one, First of all, there was no Fish oil used. Huh you say? Yes, link the study and you will see what the cancer scientist, looked at was the DHA/EPA blood levels. No fish oil was used. 2. There were no outside factors controlled. Age, drug users, drinkers etc, had no bearing either way with this study. However when factors were used, it was older, fat drinkers who got cancer.
The cardio study has some serious flaws. First of all, just like Meds, not all supplements are equal. Potency levels, purity and dosage along with adherence was not factored in. Most had taken only Pharma grade for less than a year. With AF, DHA levels are more beneficial, not EPA. Higher EPA levels can sometimes even lead to AF episodes. Again, outside factors were not controlled, however, most in this study were older and had long time heart issues. Fish oil was given to some as a last resort on their death beds. Gosh, why not just pour it over a stiff body with this study?
Does fish oil stop AF episodes? Im not sure anyone ever claimed that, but I will say, No, but it is all beneficial along with Pot, Mag, and Haw. No one ever died from a drug deficiency.
James:
Thanks for your comments! I couldn’t agree with you more. There seems to be a recent battle going on against fish oil supplements. First with that study you mentioned and now this one. I take 3-4 pharmacy grade fish oil supplements myself every day and I’m not about to quit.
The tail end of your comments intrigued me the most, however. You said pot and Hawthorne berry help with afib. Can you explain? I’ve heard of the benefits of Hawthorne berry but the benefits of marijuana for afib patients is a new one. I’d love to hear more.
Travis
Sorry, I didnt tell you more. I think most with AF are seriously deficient in Magnesium. Not all, but most. Not to mention, the heart uses Magnesium more than any other organ. Cardios know this, they use Mag when patients have heart attacks. Check it out.
I believe we can all benefit from Mag in different forms. Unfortunately when we are tested by doctors, they will say Mag levels are normal. The test will show normal levels in our blood, yes. However, most Mag levels are stored in our muscles and tissues. Hence muscle cramps when low on Mag? Plus, Mag levels in blood accounts for only 10%.
Hawthorne is another beneficial mineral. The last 2 times I was in AF, I self converted with 5 times the normal amount. Plus, my heart rate never got above 72! Yes, I had an irregular, yet normal heart rate. Of course when you control your rate, you have a better chance of converting, which I did in 4-5 hours.
Potassium. I never really gave that one much thought, but now believe doctors and the banana theory could have some merit. The problem is, balancing it with Magnesium. I ve started taking blacks strap molasses which is loaded with it, and better than a banana. Potassium like Mag is also hard to retain, we pretty much get rid of it in our urine, maybe why boozed, coffee and chocolate to some degree is bad for AF?
Ive rambled, sorry. But maybe at some point I can post my regimen of supplements. Thanks, Love your blog. James