Facts About Fish Oil

Fish oil is high in docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, two types of omega-3 fatty acids found in a variety of fish and over-the-counter vitamin supplements. Fish oil is beneficial in the treatment of coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease through risk reduction and has possible benefits in treating many other conditions. Before taking any dietary supplement or making any change in your diet, please discuss options with your health care professional.

Uses of Fish Oil

The body is unable to make omega-3 fatty acids and requires it through dietary means. Most often, diet alone is enough to provide the body with the beneficial levels, however, sometimes supplements or changes in diet are required to assist. Fish oil has been found effective in its use to lower blood pressure and circulating triglyceride levels, two factors instrumental in helping prevent heart attack and stroke. It is also being used in some capacity for the treatment of diabetes, some cancers, Alzheimer's, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and osteoporosis. Other possibly effective uses vary, from psoriasis and arthritis to asthma and kidney disorders. There are many other conditions in which the effectiveness of fish oil is being studied.

Main Sources of Fish Oil

There are a variety of types of fish that contain fish oil. These include salmon, tuna, halibut, herring, whale and seal blubber and mackerel. There is approximately 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids found in a single 3.5 oz. serving of fish.

Additional Sources of Fish Oil

Aside from fish, fish oil can also be found in different forms of nuts, plants and vegetable oils. Walnuts and butternuts are two primary sources of nuts that contain the greatest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, while DHA and EPA can be found in canola, flaxseed and soybean oils. In addition to dietary sources, DHA and EPA are also formulated in various over-the-counter supplements.

Recommended Dosages

There are varying dosages depending on what condition is being treated. You should discuss with your health care provider the appropriate dosage for you. It is generally accepted not to exceed 3 to 4 g of omega-3 fatty acids in one day.

According to the American Heart Association, adults with no documented heart disease can benefit from consuming fish at least twice a week. For people with known coronary or heart disease, the recommendations are 1 g daily of EPA and DHA, while for those individuals who are trying to combat elevated cholesterol levels, the recommendations are 2 to 3 g daily of EPA and DHA.

Side Effects and Warnings

Side effects of taking improper doses of fish oil include nausea and upset stomach. Concerns for mercury toxicity have been unfounded. High doses can cause blood pressure to drop too much and has also been found to make blood sugar more difficult to control. Regarding people with underlying liver disease, the use of fish oil can lead to increased risk of bleeding. Before making any changes to your diet or using vitamin supplements, please discuss options with your health care professional.