Fish oil capsules are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Taking the supplements may improve your health in a variety of ways. The capsules are sold over-the-counter and are available without a prescription. If you do not like eating fish, but want to benefit from seafood's advantages, fish oil capsules are a suitable alternative, but consult your doctor before introducing any supplements into your diet, to avoid any negative drug interactions or other medical complications.
Ingredients
Fish oil contains two types of omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These are different from the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic, found in vegetation and oils. The body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids and dietary intake is the only source. The bottle of the fish oil capsules often states what type of fish was used. MedlinePlus states most fish oil supplements are made from mackerel, tuna, cod liver and even whale and seal blubber. A small amount of vitamin E is often included to prevent spoilage, according to MedlinePlus.
Heart-Healthy Benefits
According to MayoClinic.com, a variety of heart benefits occurs when consuming omega-3 fatty acids. The acids may lower triglyceride levels in the body. Triglycerides are a form of fat in the body; high levels may result in high cholesterol levels. Consuming fish oil capsules also slightly decreases blood pressure, decreases irregular heart rhythms and the risk of stroke.
Depression
In countries where fish consumption is high, the diagnosis of depression is staggeringly lower than those countries where it is not. This has caused medical professionals to believe omega-3 fatty acids and depression are related. Some patients with severe depression may benefit from taking a daily fish oil capsule. If you are suffering from severe depression, your body may have lower levels of DHA and EPA, both found in fish oil. MayoClinic.com recommends you take 100 to 300 mg of fish oil daily, if using fish oil to fight depression. Still, additional treatment and counseling for depression are required.
Arthritis
MayoClinic.com reports patients taking fish oil while suffering from arthritis reported a decrease in joint stiffness, pain and related symptoms. Fish oil was consumed over a three-month period, reports the website. Medline Plus reports patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, who also take the medication naproxen may decrease the amount of morning stiffness caused by the condition. The benefits were comparable to taking an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, reports the medical website. Still, more research is required for the medical community to strongly recommend that fish oil be taken for arthritis.
Warning
Many of the clinical trials reporting benefits of taking fish oil supplements have patients take large doses of fish oil. MayoClinic.com warns that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase internal bleeding. Always speak with a health care professional before taking large amounts of fish oil. The World Health Organization recommends that healthy adults with no history of heart disease consume around .3 to .5 g of DHA and EPA daily, which includes dietary sources such as seafood. Children should not consume fish oil capsules unless supervised by a medical professional.
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