Many people take fish oil supplements for the Omega-3 fatty acids that can help protect against cardiovascular disease, as noted by UC Berkeley Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements. These supplements are available over-the-counter, but a prescription-only form also is available. Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Lovaza is a purified form of fish oil and contains a high amount of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 Benefits
Fish oil capsules, including Lovaza, contain the Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentenoic acid, known as EPA, and docosahexenoic, known as DHA. These substances prevent blood platelets from clumping together, lower the risk of arrhythmia, decrease triglyceride levels, slow the growth rate of plaque in the arteries, and may decrease inflammation in blood vessels, as noted by UC Berkeley and the American Heart Association, or AHA.
Considerations
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for healthy people as well as for those who have or are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, according to the AHA, although healthy people generally can obtain enough of these substances by eating fish. People who have coronary artery disease or high triglycerides, and people with autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, should ask their doctor about taking fish oil supplements. Lovaza is indicated for patients with very high triglyceride levels.
Function
Lovaza contains Omega-3 acid ethyl esters, a concentrated version of Omega-3 fatty acids. Although it provides a variety of benefits, the medication is classified as an anti-lipemic, or a lipid-regulating agent, explains PubMed Health. An anti-lipemic decreases liver production of triglycerides along with other fats produced in the liver. The medication is intended as part of a lifestyle program, including a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet, exercise and proper weight management.
Significance
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Lovaza for the treatment of high triglycerides, according to the Lovaza official website. In contrast, the FDA does not approve over-the-counter supplements. Manufacturing standards for FDA-approved products may be higher because of more stringent regulation. In addition, Lovaza contains 465 mg of EPA and 375 mg of DHA per capsule, much higher than most fish oil capsules. EMedTV notes that cheaper fish oil supplements almost always contain low amounts of EPA and DHA, even if the label lists high concentrations. However, some non-prescription pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplements are available from high-quality manufacturers, and these may have equal or greater amounts of EPA and DHA than Lovaza. Talk with your doctor about which product is right for you.
Caution
Whether you choose Lovaza or a non-prescription product, if you take more than three grams per day of Omega-3 fatty acids from capsules, you should do so only with a doctor's supervision, advises the AHA. High intakes can lead to excessive bleeding, including internal bleeding, in some patients. Large doses of fish oil also are associated with side effects of heartburn, burping, nausea, diarrhea, rash and problems with blood sugar regulation in people with diabetes.
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