Fish-oil supplements contain eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which are omega-3 fatty acids derived from coldwater fish such as herring, salmon, halibut, cod, mackerel, tuna, seal and whale, according to MedlinePlus. Fish oil supplements may also contain small amounts of vitamin E to extend shelf life, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-3, C and D. You may purchase fish-oil pills in health food stores and pharmacies.
Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronary artery disease, sometimes referred to as coronary heart disease, is caused by a buildup of plaque from cholesterol and saturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may reduce your blood pressure, lower levels of fats in your blood and prevent heart disease. Research by Chenchen Wang, published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2006, discovered that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from fish-oil supplements reduces mortality from and incidence of heart disease, heart attack and stroke and may prevent heart disease.
Mental Health
Fish-oil pills may help you manage some mental health conditions. Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, worthlessness and loss of interest in pleasurable activities, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Although fish oil is not considered a replacement for conventional treatment of depression, it may be helpful as an adjunct to prescription medication and other therapies, according to MayoClinic.com. Moreover, fish-oil supplements containing 100 to 300 mg of either eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid, or a combination of these, may help to ease the symptoms of depression, particularly if you suffer from severe depression. Fish oil may also help people with psychosis, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or Alzheimer's disease, according to MedlinePlus.
Pain Relief
If you suffer from acute or chronic pain that is accompanied by inflammation, fish- oil supplements may provide relief. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- also called NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen -- are commonly prescribed for acute and chronic pain. Yet, research is discovering the benefits of fish-oil pills used in conjunction with or even in lieu of NSAIDs. Research by J.C. Maroon, published in "Surgical Neurology" in 2006, demonstrates that fish-oil pills containing 1200 mg to 2400 mg of omega-3 fatty acids -- namely eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid -- are a safer alternative and provide equivalent effectiveness as NSAIDs in the treatment of acute and chronic neck and back pain. Moreover, 59 percent of patients discontinued their prescription of NSAIDs.
Other Conditions
Fish-oil supplements may help you if you suffer from eye conditions such as dry eyes, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, according to MedlinePlus. Some women use fish oil to prevent painful periods, miscarriage and premature labor and delivery. Diabetes, asthma, dyslexia, kidney disease, obesity, psoriasis and osteoporosis are other conditions for which you may consider using fish oil, according to MedlinePlus.
References
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: Leading Causes of Death
- Cleveland Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease - Overview
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; N-3 Fatty Acids from Fish or Fish-Oil Supplements, but Not Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Benefit Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes; Wang, C.; July 2006
- American Psychiatric Association: Depression
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