Fish Oil Capsules & Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that the body needs for many reasons, including support of biochemical processes, maintenance of cellular membranes and production of hormones. It is carried in blood as a complex with protein called a lipoprotein. When cholesterol levels become too high, however, it raises the risk of many serious conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Diet plays an important role in determining blood cholesterol levels and eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids or taking fish oil supplements can help keep cholesterol at a healthy level.

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol combines with protein as either low-density lipoprotein, LDL, or high-density lipoprotein, HDL. LDL is called "bad" cholesterol because too much may lead to fatty deposits, or plaque, in blood vessels. Plaque may cause coronary artery disease that leads to heart disease. HDL is called "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol to the liver which removes it, lowering total blood cholesterol levels. MayoClinic.com indicates that total cholesterol is healthiest when it measures 200 mg/dL or less and that the ratio between total cholesterol and HDL should be 4-to-1 or lower. Consuming fish oil supplements may help keep cholesterol measurements in the healthy range.

Fish Oil and HDL

Besides being good sources of protein and generally healthy foods, certain types of fatty fish such contain oil that may help maintain healthy levels of blood cholesterol. These fish oils are also available as supplements from most drug or health food stores. Fish oil helps raise the level of HDL and also tends to lower the level of LDL, potentially helping to maintain a healthy ratio between total cholesterol and HDL. The American Heart Association states that a diet rich in fish oil may also slow the rate of plaque formation in arteries and, over time, may reduce the amount of existing plaque.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated oils that cannot be made by the human body. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that the American diet is poor in these healthy oils. Fish oil supplements usually contain oil from mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon and cod liver, all rich sources of these fatty acids. According to MedlinePlus, the most important omega-3 fatty acids found in supplements are eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. Both compounds lower the risk for cardiovascular disease in healthy people and also benefit patients already diagnosed with heart disease, according to studies summarized in the Office of Dietary Supplements factsheet.

Other Benefits

The Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet on omega-3 fatty acids also summarizes other benefits of taking fish oil supplements. It states that consuming the supplements helps ensure a normal heart rate and prevents abnormal heart rhythm. Because the oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it may also lessen joint pain for patients with arthritis and decrease their need for steroid medications. Other potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include improvement of brain function, lessening of asthma symptoms and benefits for patients following organ transplantation, although these possibilities still need further study.

Dosage and Precautions

Fish oil supplements are considered very safe, although they may cause mild side effects such as a fishy aftertaste, gas or diarrhea. The recommended dosage is 1 to 4 g daily, divided into several doses. Fish oil supplements may interact with some prescription drugs, including those prescribed for high blood pressure or blood-thinning medications. Consult a doctor to discuss whether taking fish oil supplements is a good strategy for you.