Low-dose omega-3 does not raise atrial fibrillation risk, study finds

A new meta-analysis of 35 randomized controlled trials involving 114,592 participants found that low-dose omega-3 supplementation does not increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, resolving confusion from earlier reports. Published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, the study led by the Fatty Acid Research Institute found that only high-dose therapy exceeding 1,500 mg daily, typically prescription-strength, was linked to a modest 0.8% absolute risk increase in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Previous meta-analyses included no more than eight trials and overlooked unpublished data. Researchers incorporated 15 trials with previously unavailable AF information, emphasizing that nutritional doses up to 1,500 mg daily remain safe, while high-dose use warrants clinician discussion and monitoring.