What Does Fish Oil Help With?

Fish oil, derived from fatty fish and dietary supplements, contains omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that reduces inflammation in the body and helps reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke or developing chronic diseases such as arthritis and some forms of cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Function

Fish oils contain two important omega-3 fatty acids--eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)--that contribute to heart health by helping to maintain a normal heartbeat, reducing levels of blood fats known as triglycerides and increasing HDL (healthy) cholesterol levels in the blood. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils prevent clots from forming in blood vessels that lead to the heart by reducing the stickiness of blood cells so it is more difficult for them to adhere to one another.
Fish oils also interfere with the production of inflammatory substances known as prostaglandins in artery walls and elsewhere in the body, according to a review of studies published in a 2002 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

Benefits

By interfering with blood clotting and accumulation of plaque in artery walls, fish oils help prevent narrowing of the arteries and leads to heart attacks. It is also possible that fish oil reduces the risk of heart attacks in people who already have atherosclerosis, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. By reducing inflammation, fish oils help relieve joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and possibly reduce the risk of heart disease.

Misconceptions

Like omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids found in many vegetable oils are essential for human health. The average American's diet is significantly higher in omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, however, and it has been theorized that this imbalance leads to a higher production of inflammatory prostaglandins in the body that contribute to heart disease. A Harvard School of Public Health review, published in a 2007 issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, found that both types of fats reduce the risk of cardiovascular heart disease, regardless of the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats.

Recommendations

A scientific statement published in a 2002 issue of the American Heart Association's professional journal Circulation, concluded that 0.5 to 1.8 g of omega-e fatty acids from fatty fish or supplements reduces the incidence of cardiovascular heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends that people with coronary artery disease or high triglycerides (blood fats) consult with their physicians to consider taking omega-3 supplements to reduce their risk of developing heart disease.

Considerations

Although fish oils and fish oil supplements are considered safe and effective for most people, some people with angina, heart failure or an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator might experience complications and side effects from fish oils, according to Harvard University Medical School. Anyone who is considering taking fish oils, especially anyone with one of these conditions, should first consult with a physician.