Diets and Nutrition

Are Omega 3 really good for your health? The European Agency issues an alert

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December 11, 2023
Are Omega 3 really good for your health? The European Agency issues an alert

Touted for their numerous benefits, Omega 3 is often taken in the form of food supplements but also as medications. According to the European Medicines Agency, they could pose a risk of heart problems in certain patients.

Are Omega 3 still good for your health? Not really, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which has claimed that omega-3 ethyl esters may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation – a significant acceleration in the rate at which the atria contract.

A higher risk with a dose of 4 g/day

The European Medicines Agency has decided to sound the alert following the discovery of a risk of occurrence of heart rhythm disorders. “The Pharmacovigilance Committee (PRAC) examined reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled clinical trials that demonstrated a dose-dependent increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors. cardiovascular, and treated with ethyl esters of Omega-3 acids versus placebo“, explains the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM), before adding that “The observed risk is higher with a dose of 4 g/day.”

Concretely, medicines based on Omega-3 (indicated in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, when a change in diet and lifestyle is not enough to lower blood levels of triglycerides, editor’s note) led, in 10% of patients, to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Important detail: the higher the dose of Omega-3, the greater the risk of fibrillation. This only applies, of course, to artificial Omega-3s – those of dietary origin are spared.

Healthcare professionals have been informed of the risks

Faced with this new risk, a letter was sent to healthcare professionals to warn them of the warnings and precautions to take with this treatment.

“In the event of atrial fibrillation, treatment must be permanently stopped.“, warns the ANSM.

This side effect should soon be added to the drugs concerned in order to indicate the increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

NO to diets, YES to WW!

Food supplements are not affected

Several specialties marketed in Europe are covered by this alert. In Europe, these are Omacor 1000 mg and Ethyl Esters of Omega 3 acids EG Labo Conseil 1g.

However, food supplements are not affected by this measure.

The foods richest in Omega 3

Slide: The foods richest in Omega 3

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