Omega-3 capsules are the most common non-vitamin and non-mineral supplement taken by adults in the United States, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for your overall health but cannot be produced by your body. They include alpha-linoleic acid, or ALA; eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA; and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Taking omega-3 capsules results in a few benefits, but you should contact your physician before adding them to your daily regimen.
Lowered Triglyceride Levels
High triglyceride levels are associated with heart disease, so it is important to keep your levels within the normal range. Omega-3 capsules, particularly pharmaceutical-grade fish oil capsules that contain EPA and DHA, have been shown to be effective in lowering triglyceride levels. Pharmaceutical-grade fish oil, called Lovaza, has been approved by the FDA to be used in lowering triglycerides; this supplement may lower triglyceride levels by 20 to 50 percent, according to MedlinePlus. Taking omega-3 fish oil capsules to treat high triglyceride levels should only be done under a physician's supervision because of the risk of bleeding at higher doses.
Lowered LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is termed the "bad cholesterol," because it increases the chances of plaque, a waxy cholesterol substance, sticking to your artery walls. Plaque builds up in the heart arteries and blocks blood flow, causing coronary artery disease. Flaxseed oil contains the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which may help to lower LDL, according to eMedTV. Fish oil may have a small effect on raising the level of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, considered the "good cholesterol."
Heart Disease Prevention
Omega-3 capsules may help keep a healthy heart free of disease and reduce your risk of suffering a fatal heart attack if you have heart disease, according to MedlinePlus. Those with coronary artery disease may not be able to get enough omega-3 fatty acids through diet alone and may need to take a supplement. The American Heart Association recommends taking no more than 3 g of an omega-3 fatty acid supplement per day under the supervision of a physician.
Lowered Blood Pressure
In those suffering from hypertension, omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown to slightly lower blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements may cause the arteries to expand, resulting in a lower blood pressure.
Reduced Inflammation
Omega-3 capsules, particularly fish oil, have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Taking omega-3 capsules may reduce inflammation and stiffness in your joints. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may be able to cut down on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication if you take it in conjunction with fish oil supplements.
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