Fish Oil Myths

Fish oil contains healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids that include docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements may lower fats in your blood and reduce your risk of heart disease, including hardening of the arteries, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, stroke and death. Consuming fish oil may also increase your risk for certain medical conditions. Consult your doctor about including fish oil in your daily diet.

Myth: Fish Oil Contains Mercury

Mercury is a heavy metal than can be toxic to your body. Research by Knud Landmark, M.D., published in "Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening" in 2004 discovered that intake of mercury from fish may inhibit the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on reducing risk of coronary artery disease. Although certain fish, such as swordfish and shark, may contain toxic levels of mercury, five over-the-counter brands of fish oil examined have nondetectable or negligible amounts of mercury and may provide a safer alternative to fish consumption, according to research by Stacy Foran, M.D., Ph.D., published in "Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine" in 2003.

Myth: Fish Oil Supplements Fulfill Total Omega-3 Requirements

Fish oil supplements may provide additional omega-3 fatty acids than you obtain from your diet, but are not meant to replace eating fish or other foods with these healthy fats. The American Heart Association recommends that you consume at least two servings of fish per week, preferably from cold-water, fatty fish, such as salmon, halibut, sardines and herring, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts contain a plant based omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, which is found in walnuts and vegetable oils such as flax seed oil and canola oil.

Myth: Fish Oil Will Make You Fat

Adding oils to your diet may increase your weight. However, fish oil pills may actually increase your weight loss. Research by Inga Thorsdottir, Ph.D., published in the "International Journal of Obesity" in 2007 discovered that fish oil as part of a calorie restricted diet in young, overweight men results in approximately 1 kg more weight loss after four weeks than a similar diet without seafood or supplement of marine origin.

Myth: Fish Oil Will Make Your Breath Smelly

The smell of fish is strong and can be detected from afar. Yet, just because fish has a distinct odor does not mean that its oils will give you bad breath or foul smelling gas. Fish oil that smells bad is due to oxidation of oil that has become rancid. Purchase fish oil supplements in a sealed bottle from a reliable supplier. Consult your doctor to determine the right dose and schedule.