Fish oil
Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are important for many functions in the body, from muscle activity to cell growth.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in food. They cannot be manufactured by the body, and they come from fatty fish such as salmon and trout. Dietary sources of DHA and EPA are found in fatty fish and shellfish. Some nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils contain another omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This type of omega-3 is found in oysters and crabs.
Fish oil supplements come in liquid and pill form.
People take fish oil for the anti-inflammatory effects it has on the body.
Evidence
Studies that focus on the use of fish oil for specific conditions show:
- Heart disease.There is some evidence that people who eat dietary sources of fish oil twice a week have a lower risk of dying from heart disease, but taking fish oil supplements does not seem to have any benefits to heart health.
- High blood pressure.Multiple studies have found that people who take fish oil supplements tend to have modest reductions in blood pressure. There is some evidence that the benefits of fish oil might be greater for people with high blood pressure than for those with mild hypertension.
- High triglycerides and cholesterol. There is strong evidence that eating omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels. HDL or "good" cholesterol levels seem to slightly improve, although LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels also increase. I observed.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.Studies suggest that taking fish oil supplements might help reduce pain, improve morning stiffness, and relieve joint tenderness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. While relief may be modest, it might be enough to reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications.
Our take
Generally safe
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for good health. You can get them from your diet by eating fish, which is cooked in a different way than fried fish. Fish oil supplements might help people with high triglycerides or rheumatoid arthritis.
Fish oil does not seem to contain much mercury, which is a cause for concern in certain types of fish. It's generally safe to get too much fish oil, but it might increase your risk of bleeding and affect your immune response. It's not clear whether fish oil is safe for people who are allergic to mercury. Fish oil supplements should be taken under a doctor's supervision.
Safety and side effects
Fish oil supplements are generally considered safe when taken as directed.
Some side effects of fish oil supplements can include:
- A fishy aftertaste
- Bad breath
- Heartburn, nausea or diarrhea
- Rash
Taking high doses of fish oil supplements might increase the risk of bleeding, and possibly increase the risk of stroke.
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Herbs and supplements that contain anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs can be helpful in preventing blood clots.Fish oil supplements can reduce blood clotting. It's possible that taking them along with other medications or supplements could increase the risk of bleeding.
- Herbs and supplements that are used to treat high blood pressure are taken.Taking fish oil supplements might slightly lower blood pressure, but it is possible that taking them together with blood pressure drugs might have additional effects on blood pressure.
- Contraceptive drugs.Some contraceptive drugs might reduce the effect fish oil has on triglycerides.
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli).Taking fish oil with this weight-loss drug might decrease its effectiveness. Consider taking the supplement and drug two hours apart.
- Vitamin E.Taking fish oil can reduce the levels of vitamin E.