Low-dose omega-3 supplementation does not raise atrial fibrillation risk: largest meta-analysis to date

Researchers at the Fatty Acid Research Institute pooled 35 randomized controlled trials totaling 114,592 participants, more than four times the number of trials in any prior meta-analysis on this question. The analysis included 15 trials with previously unpublished atrial fibrillation data. At doses below 1,500 mg/day of EPA and DHA combined, omega-3 supplementation showed no association with increased atrial fibrillation risk, including in individuals with elevated cardiovascular risk. A modest AF signal appeared only at prescription-strength doses above 1,500 mg/day, with an absolute risk increase of 0.8 percent. This was concentrated in patients with established cardiovascular disease receiving pharmacological-grade formulations (typically 2 to 4 grams/day). The authors note that cardiovascular benefits of high-dose EPA demonstrated in prior trials substantially outweigh this small AF risk. For consumers taking nutritional supplements at typical doses (500 to 1,500 mg/day), the findings are reassuring. The study was commissioned by GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s) but the funder had no input into design, analysis, or interpretation.

Nutritional doses of omega-3 supplements were not associated with a meaningful increase in atrial fibrillation risk.