Much of the benefit of fish oil supplements seems to come from the omega-3 fatty acids that they contain. Fish oil supplements typically contain two types of omega-3 acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish oil supplements are typically made from mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber or seal blubber. According to MayoClinic.com, there is evidence from multiple studies supporting intake of recommended amounts of DHA and EPA in the form of dietary fish or fish oil supplements.
Lowers Triglycerides
According to the American Heart Association, research has shown that fish oil supplements can help lower triglyceride levels. According to Medline Plus, researchers believe that fish oil can reduce triglyceride levels by 20 to 50 percent. Fish oil supplements also appear to cause small improvements in high-density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol, although worsening of low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol, levels has also been observed.
Decreases the Risk of Cardiac Arrhythmias
According to MayoClinic.com, there is some favorable evidence that fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. This seems to be related to a reduced number of heart attacks in people who regularly ingest fish oil supplements containing EPA and DHA. Medline Plus indicates that research studies into the effect of fish oil on ventricular arrhythmias have produced conflicting results.
Helps Reduce Atherosclerotic Plaque
Fish oil supplements may also reduce the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis. According to MayoClinic.com, some research has shown that regular intake of fish oil supplements reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis, while other research reports no effects in the arteries that bring blood up the neck to the head.
Help Reduce High Blood Pressure
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements seem to produce modest reductions in blood pressure by expanding blood vessels, which brings down blood pressure. According to MayoClinic.com, multiple human trials report small reductions in blood pressure with intake of fish oil supplements containing DHA and EPA.
Member Comments