You probably know the routine. A quick glass of water, a small capsule, and the sense that you have done something good for your body before the day even begins.
For many people, supplements have become a quiet daily habit, barely questioned and rarely discussed.
Omega-3 is one of the most trusted names in that cupboard. Linked to heart health and brain function, it is often seen as a safe addition to a healthy lifestyle. But new research suggests the picture may not be quite so simple for everyone.
Growing everyday use
The supplements market has expanded rapidly in recent years, with millions of people taking products alongside or instead of dietary changes.
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Omega-3 supplements, typically made from fish oil or flaxseed oil, are among the most commonly used.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that the body cannot produce on its own. They are naturally found in oily fish, certain plants and algae, and health authorities often recommend meeting needs through food rather than pills.
Findings that raised concern
Researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University in China analysed health data from more than 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank over a 12-year period.
Their work, published in the BMJ, focused on long-term outcomes linked to frequent fish oil use.
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The analysis found that healthy adults who regularly took Omega-3 supplements faced a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation and a slightly increased risk of stroke.
At the same time, people with existing heart disease showed signs of benefit, with lower risks of serious progression.
How experts interpret it
Health organisations have urged caution. The British Heart Foundation pointed out that the study identified links rather than direct cause and effect, and that details such as dosage and supplement type were not fully accounted for.
Experts continue to support Omega-3 through a balanced diet, while stressing that supplements may not be suitable for everyone and should be considered in relation to individual health.
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