Mothers and grandmothers of yesteryear often extolled the virtues of fish oils, particularly cod-liver oil. While many of us have unpleasant memories of being forced by our parents to swallow the foul-tasting oils, our elders were right, even if they didn't know why. Fish oils have been studied extensively by researchers, for use in arthritis, and for improving heart health and the skin. Fortunately, for those who abhor the taste of fish oils, the oil is now available in caplet form.
Function
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a vital role in tissue health. Omega-3 fatty acids help to keep your skin hydrated. A lack of omega-3 can fatty acids can cause dry skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Benefits
Fish oil caplets are beneficial in the treatment of a variety of skin complaints. In addition to keeping your skin hydrated, fish oil caplets may be beneficial if you suffer from psoriasis. The study "The Role of Fish Oil in Psoriasis" published in the "International Journal of Dermatology" in October 1990 found that fish oil, when used in conjunction with dietary controls, was minimally to moderately effective at reducing plaque scales in psoriasis sufferers. Fish oil caplets might also reduce inflammation if you have a burn and encourage healing and your skin's immunity.
Side Effects
MedlinePlus advises that fish oil is safe for most people when less than 3 g are taken a day, but you may experience belching, heartburn, skin rash, sick feeling, bad breath, diarrhea and nose bleeds. High doses of fish oil could cause the blood to thin and prevent healthy clotting of wounds. Fish oil caplets could also cause a thinning of the skin, causing you to bruise more easily, according to MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
If you are taking any other medications or herbal supplements, see your doctor before you take fish oil caplets. The contraceptive pill and the drug Orlistat can interfere with the positive effects of fish oil. Exercise caution if you are taking blood-pressure medications as fish oils can cause your blood pressure to drop.
Warning
Buy your fish oil caplets from a reputable supplier. A 2010 lawsuit alleges that, of 10 supplements tested, three had high levels of a carcinogenic substance called polychlorinated biphenyl compounds. All of the other supplements had at least trace elements of the supplement. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend the best fish oil supplement.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "International Journal of Dermatology"; The Role of Fish Oil in Psoriasis; Drs. Aditya K. Gupta, Charles N. Ellis, Michael T. Goldfarb, Ted A. Hamilton and John J. Voorhees; October 1990
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Burns
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- ABC News: Lawsuit Raises Fish Oil Supplement Concerns
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