Study details fish oil risks

By Mike Ventresca, Vital Choice Healthstore

A study recently published in a prestigious medical journal reported a confusing outcome. The authors found that regular use of fish oil supplements by healthy individuals could increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. However, for those who already have the condition, taking fish oil supplements decreased the risk of further development and improved their health.

It’s important to note this study had significant limitations, such as not controlling for the amount, quality, or purity of the fish oil taken. Clearly, more research is needed.

This topic highlights a key issue: the difference between the foundational and therapeutic use of supplements. Numerous studies have shown fish oil supplements can provide therapeutic benefits. For example, taking a high dose of isolated omega-3s from fish oil can lower triglycerides, which I call therapeutic use—using a supplement as a natural medicine.

On the other hand, there is a separate body of research that discusses the general health benefits of eating wild-caught fatty fish, like wild Alaskan salmon, three or more times per week. This is good foundational nutrition. The important question is: Which do you need?

For many, the answer is foundational. In that case, my favorite product is Wholemega by New Chapter. Wholemega is different from most fish oil supplements because it is not purified or isolated. Each softgel naturally contains 16 different essential fatty acids, vitamin D, and even astaxanthin, the powerful antioxidant that gives salmon its color. Simply put, taking Wholemega is the closest thing to eating wild Alaskan salmon, something I think all health experts can agree on.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505, or visit VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.