Nutritional Value Of Fish Oil

Taking fish oil supplements is a means of ensuring adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids. According to the National Institutes of Health, omega-3 fatty acids are important for a number of bodily functions. They have also shown promise in reducing cardiovascular risk factors and may be beneficial in the treatment of a number of other diseases and health conditions. While fish oil supplements can be beneficial, some side effects are possible with their use.

Omega-3 Functions

Fish oil is plentiful in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids, meaning that they are not made by the body and must be obtained through diet. According to Harvard School of Public Health, we need omega-3 fatty acids for numerous body functions, such as controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain. Harvard also explains that omega-3 fatty acids are associated with many health benefits, including protection against heart disease and possibly stroke. Potential benefits for a wide range of health conditions have been identified, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

DHA

Fish oil contains DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is critical for optimal brain health and function throughout our lives. DHA plays a crucial role in neurological and visual development in infants and in maintaining cognitive health and function in adults. According to a study published in the November 2010 issue of "Alzheimer's and Dementia, The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association," led by Karin Yurko-Mauro, supplementation with 900 mg of DHA daily improved learning and memory function in those with age-related cognitive decline and is a beneficial supplement that supports cognitive health with aging.

EPA

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most people in the Western world do not get enough EPA or other omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. UMMC states that EPA, which is found in cold water fish and fish oil, has beneficial effects on coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Nutrient Content

According to University of Maryland Medical Center, fish oil supplements vary in nutritional content. However, UMMC states that a common amount of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil capsules is 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg DHA, and five grams of fish oil contains approximately 170 to 560 mg of EPA and 72 to 310 mg of DHA. Fish oil contains about 9 calories per gram and many fish oil supplements are enriched with vitamin E to prevent spoilage.

Considerations

People who are being treated with blood thinning medications or for bleeding disorders should consult their health care provider before taking fish oil, as high doses of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Fish oil can cause side effects that include gas, bloating, diarrhea and belching.