What Benefit Is Wild Salmon Oil In Diet?

Wild salmon oil is a dietary supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered essential fatty acids. Two of these fatty acids are by far the most beneficial to your health: docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Often referred to as DHA and EPA, respectively, they're considered a healthy form of fat and can help combat certain medical conditions.

High Triglycerides

According to the American Heart Association, the omega-3 fatty acids found in wild salmon oil can improve your triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of lipid, or fat, in your bloodstream. Levels higher than 200 milligrams of triglycerides per deciliter of blood can cause your arteries to harden, which increases your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Beneficial amounts are dependent on the individual, so talk to your doctor to help determine dose.

High Blood Pressure

The omega-3 fatty acids found in wild salmon oil are also beneficial to blood pressure, and therefore could be used to help treat hypertension. An analysis conducted by the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health demonstrated that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure improved by 1.3 and 0.7 mm Hg, respectively, with 3 grams of fish oil per day, while increasing the dose to between 3 and 7 grams improved readings by 2.9 and 1.6 mm Hg. This means that improvements are dose dependent, but higher intakes could lead to a greater risk of bleeding.

Cardiovascular Disease

The National Institutes of Health also lists the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease as another potential benefit of omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in wild salmon oil. Secondary prevention is basically preventing a second cardiovascular event in those people who've had a stroke or heart attack, advises the American Heart Association. It's also the treatment of people with established cardiovascular disease. Taking wild salmon oil each day can reduce the risk of heart attack and sudden death as a result of cardiovascular disease. As in the treatment of triglycerides, the dose necessary varies from person to person.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The fatty acids in wild salmon oil have also shown promise in reducing inflammation and subsequent stiffness and pain in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, asserts the National Institutes of Health. This may help improve mobility and quality of life.

Cyclosporine Toxicity

Cyclosporine toxicity is a potential side effect of the medications used to help the body accept an organ after a transplant. Taking a fish oil supplement, like wild salmon oil, can reduce the risk of this complication, especially in those transplants involving the heart and kidney.