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Member Research & Reports

Member Research & Reports

Oregon State Finds Excess Omega-3 Fatty Acids Could Lead to Negative Health Effects

A new review suggests that omega-3 fatty acids taken in excess could have unintended health consequences in certain situations, and that dietary standards based on the best available evidence need to be established. “What looked like a slam dunk a few years ago may not be as clear cut as we thought,” said Dr. Norman Hord, associate professor in Oregon State University’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences and a coauthor on the paper. “We are seeing the potential for negative effects at really high levels of omega-3 fatty acid consumption. Because we lack valid biomarkers for exposure and knowledge of who might be at risk if consuming excessive amounts, it isn’t possible to determine an upper limit at this time.”