Fish Oil Supplements May Raise LDL as Higher Doses Cut Triglycerides

5 articles · Updated · The Indian Express · May 21

Higher-dose fish oil supplements may leave LDL cholesterol unchanged or even raise it, undercutting the common belief that they broadly improve “bad” cholesterol.
Omega-3s mainly lower triglycerides, not LDL: by reducing triglyceride-rich VLDL from the liver, they can increase the conversion of those particles into LDL in the bloodstream.
DHA-containing formulations appear more likely to lift LDL, though some studies suggest they may also shift LDL toward larger, potentially less harmful particles.
Fish oil also has not consistently reduced overall heart-disease deaths, and higher doses can bring risks including bleeding—especially with blood thinners—and possible rhythm disturbances in some patients.
The report says fish oil is better suited to selected patients with high triglycerides under medical guidance, while fatty fish and a balanced diet remain the broader heart-health approach.

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