Omega-3 fatty acids are common in fish and fish supplements. For people who don't eat seafood due to allergies or diet choices, as well as those who want to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil pills are an ideal choice. Fish oil pills contain two types of fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Always speak with a medical professional before taking any form of supplement. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements, including fish oil.
Description
Omega-3 fish oil pills are sold in capsules. Capsules should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Freezing the pills helps avoid fish-like breath or burps, a common side effect. You do not need a prescription for the supplement, which is commonly sold over-the-counter. Read the label to find out where the fish oil came from. A variety of fish is used to produce fish oil, as well as whale and seal blubber. Vitamin E is commonly added to the supplement as a preservative. Some types of fish oil supplements also include other vitamins and minerals. If you are a vegetarian and want to avoid fish oil, but would like the benefits of omega-3s, look for algae oil supplements. The healthy fatty acids found in fish oil are a result of fish consuming algae.
Benefits
The benefits of omega-3 fish oil pills are primarily used for conditions affecting the cardiac and circulatory system. Omega-3 fatty acids may decrease your risk of having a heart attack or suffering from a stroke. They reduce fatty substances in your blood known as triglycerides. High amounts of triglycerides results in increased cholesterol and a risk of arterial plaque forming. Fish oil supplements may also decrease irregular heart rhythms and slightly decrease blood pressure. Omega-3 fish pills are often consumed to fight other health complications ranging from attention-deficit hyperactive disorder, depression, glaucoma and even asthma. Still, MedlinePlus states fish oil pills are possibly effective for these disorders and more scientific research is required.
Average Side Effects
Besides fishy breath and belching, additional side effects may occur when you take fish oil pills. Heartburn, nausea, loose stools, nosebleeds and rash are common effects. MedlinePlus states fish oil pills are generally safe for most people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Dosage
The recommended dose is 3 mg or less per day. Taking fish oil pills in doses higher than 3 mg is deemed unsafe, reports MedlinePlus. High amounts of fish oil may cause a higher risk of bleeding and prevent blood from clotting.
Warning
If you suffer from liver disease, you are at risk of increased bleeding when consuming fish oil. Bipolar disorder patients may experience in increase of symptoms. Because fish oil lowers blood pressure, there is a slight risk of the supplement lowering blood pressure too much. Frequently check your blood pressure. People with a weakened immune system may discover fish oil will decrease immune response even further.
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