Fish oil is advertised as a remedy for everything from cardiac problems and depression to arthritis and menopause symptoms. While many of the claims are legitimate, and fish oil has proven to be effective for some chronic ailments, the Mayo Clinic cautions that there is little reliable evidence to back up many claims. However, fish oil can be a safe and beneficial dietary supplement as long as your expectations are realistic.
Features
Fish oil contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). According to the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS), researchers theorize that a typical Western diet is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in smaller fish such as anchovies and sardines, and in large fish such as salmon and tuna. You can get omega-3 fatty acids by eating the fish, or from dietary supplements in the form of fish oil capsules.
Types
Better-quality fish oil is purified to remove mercury and other environmental contaminants, and enteric-coated fish oil capsules reduce the chances of gastro-intestinal problems, unpleasant aftertaste and "fish burps" that can be side effects of taking fish oil supplements. The Mayo Clinic recommends taking fish oil with meals and starting with a low dose, then gradually increasing the dose to the recommended daily amount, if you have minor but unpleasant side effects.
Function
There's a growing body of evidence indicating that fish oil can be very beneficial for cardiac health. The Mayo Clinic website says fish oil will reduce blood triglyceride levels and lower blood pressure, as well as reduce the risk of getting a heart attack. Because some studies involved heart patients who were taking heart medication as well as fish oil, it's unclear how much effect the fish oil had, but it is likely it complements the effects of the medication. Fish oil can have a blood-thinning effect, which may be beneficial for those at risk for cardiac problems.
Possible Benefits
Some studies indicate that fish oil may be helpful for a wide range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, depression, diabetes, lupus and cystic fibrosis. However, the Mayo Clinic warns that evidence for many of these claims are inconclusive or based on faulty or conflicting studies.
Dosing and Safety
The FDA classifies omega-3 consumption of up to 3 grams daily from dietary fish as Generally Regarded as Safe. (GRAS). This is equivalent to three 1,000 mg supplement capsules daily, preferably taken with meals. Consult with your doctor before starting a fish oil regimen, especially if you are taking prescription medications such as blood thinners or statins, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are diabetic.
Member Comments