Fish oil capsules are gelatin capsules that contain any of several types of fish oil including cod, halibut, krill, mackerel, salmon or shark. According to the Mayo Clinic, fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are forms of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil capsules are beneficial in reducing the risk of certain diseases and conditions.
High Blood Pressure
The Mayo Clinic gives fish oil capsules a grade of "A" for their ability to lower high blood pressure. An A rating indicates a strong scientific evidence for its use in lowering blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, DHA appears to have a stronger benefit than EPA for reducing blood pressure, and higher doses may be necessary to achieve clinical results.
A 2002 study published in the American Heart Association's journal, "Circulation," found that omega-3 in fish oil capsules had a "small, dose-dependent, hypotensive effect." The National Institutes of Health (NIH) agree that fish oil capsules may be beneficial in reducing high blood pressure.
High Cholesterol
Both the Mayo Clinic and the NIH state that fish oil capsules show strong scientific evidence for the ability to reduce harmful cholesterol levels and may even be able to increase good cholesterol levels. According to a 2000 study published in the journal "Diabetes Care," fish oil has also been shown to significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels in individuals with diabetes.
Another study, published in the September 1998 issue of "Agricultural Research," concurred that fish oil, especially DHA, may help reduce triglyceride levels.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Mayo Clinic gives fish oil capsules a "B" rating for their use in alleviating rheumatoid arthritis. A B rating indicates there is good scientific evidence for their use in treating this condition. A March 2004 study conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services found that while omega-3 fish oils had little effect at reducing joint pain or swelling, patients who required anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid drugs needed less medication when supplementing with fish oil capsules.
Secondary Cardiovascular Disease
The Mayo Clinic and the NIH also rate fish oil highly for its ability to reduce the risk of heart attack and sudden death, especially in patients with a previous history of heart attack.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid
- MedlinePlus: Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid
- National Institutes of Health: Fish oil supplementation in type 2 diabetes: a quantitative systematic review
- USDA: DHA Lowers Blood Tryglycerides in Diet Study
- American Heart Association: "Circulation"; Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease; Penny M. Kris-Etherton, et al; 2002
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