Fish oil is the most common daily supplement taken by adult Americans, reports Consumer Lab in a 2010 study. Fish oil contains high amounts of two types of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Both eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid -- EPA and DHA -- are found in fish oil. These fatty acids benefit a variety of conditions, though more research is still recommended in some areas. Discuss taking a daily fish oil supplement with your health professional. Though fish oil is widely used and considered safe for most people, some may suffer side effects.
Benefits
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are essential for brain and nerve development. The fatty acids are also heart healthy. People who consume fish oil daily have lower levels of triglycerides, a fatty substance in the blood. Lower levels of triglycerides reduce your risk for heart disease as well as diabetes, reports Medline Plus. Fish oil also reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke because of its effects as a natural blood thinner. A variety of other conditions may be a positively affected by fish oil such as dysmenorrhea, ADHD in children, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Average Dose
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a person should not consume more than 3 g of fish oil per day. If you suffer from coronary artery disease, take 1 g of fish oil daily, recommends the American Heart Association. If you suffer from high cholesterol levels, take between 2 to 4 g of fish oil daily, recommends the American Heart Association.
Side Effects
Fish oil is a natural blood thinner and may cause your skin to bruise more quickly. You may suffer from increased nosebleeds or find small amounts of blood in your urine. The supplement may leave an unpleasant fish-like taste in your mouth. A mild skin rash occasionally forms and some users have lower back pain. Seek emergency medical assistance immediately if hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of mouth, lips or throat develop.
Warnings
Do not take fish oil and eat foods high in cholesterol -- your triglyceride levels will not lower. Avoid fish oil if you are taking medications that lower blood pressure. Your blood pressure may fall to unhealthy low levels and cause negative effects including loss of consciousness. Avoid taking anticoagulant medications and fish oil -- both thin your blood, and together can cause dangerous internal bleeding. A rare side effective is hemorrhagic stroke -- when an artery in the brain bursts causing uncontrolled bleeding.
References
- Drugs.com: Fish Oil Information
- ConsumerLab.com: Report on Vitamin & Supplement Users Published, Including Brands and Merchants Top-rated for Consumer Satisfaction
- American Heart Association: Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega 3-Fatty Acids
- Medline Plus: Fish Oil
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