Omega-3: Who This Supplement Can Harm

New research has prompted doctors to sound the alarm: uncontrolled intake of omega-3 in supplement form may be linked to cognitive decline in elderly people. Nevertheless, specialists urge against panic and emphasize the need to consider a whole range of factors — from supplement quality and dosage to overall health status.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to "Vechernyaya Moskva," Darya Rusakova, a candidate of medical sciences and dietitian, explained that the negative effect is most often associated not with omega-3 itself, but with the low quality of supplements and serious errors in their use. Poor-quality fish oil can worsen the lipid profile, which directly affects the condition of blood vessels and blood supply to the brain.

The Russian expert drew attention to the fact that in elderly people, the situation is exacerbated by chronic diseases and constant medication use. In some cases, combining omega-3 with cholesterol-lowering drugs can intensify short-term cognitive impairments.

At the same time, the doctor emphasizes that pinpointing the exact cause of age-related changes in memory and thinking is extremely difficult — they are influenced by both heredity and natural aging processes. Natural dietary sources of omega-3 — fish, nuts, and seeds — are considered safe, whereas taking dietary supplements requires mandatory medical supervision.

In addition, exceeding the dosage of fish oil can lead to blood clotting disorders and an increased risk of bleeding — especially in people taking anticoagulants.