Fish oil made from fatty fishes such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines or anchovy contain high levels omega-3 fatty acids. The cell membrane of every single cell in your body contains omega-3 fatty acids, but your body cannot make these essential fatty acids, they must be eaten in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids regulate critical chemical reactions that take place inside cell membranes as well as key properties of cell membranes, including permeability and flexibility. Due to these important functions, omega-3 fatty acids contribute to several health aspects, such as cardiovascular health, nervous system function and immunity.
Triglycerides
A large body of clinical evidence indicates that fish oil lowers levels of fats in the bloodstream known as triglycerides, reports MedlinePlus. Taking fish oil supplements can reduce levels of triglycerides in the blood by 20 to 50 percent. The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved a fish oil supplement sold under a brand name as a treatment to lower triglycerides.
Heart Disease
High levels of triglycerides are linked to heart disease, and the available evidence suggests that fish oil supplements are effective in preventing or reducing heart disease. However, the evidence for treating heart disease is not as conclusive as the evidence for lowering triglycerides, explains MedlinePlus. Evidence also suggests that fish oil supplements can reduce death from heart attacks, lower high blood pressure, maintain a healthy heart rate and ensure health blood flow through the cardiovascular system.
Inflammation
Fish oil supplements may also be effective in treating inflammatory autoimmune diseases, although additional research is needed to confirm these claims. Several studies have found promising results of fish oil in treating rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Conflicting results have been observed for treating inflammatory bowel diseases and asthma, with some studies finding beneficial effects but other studies finding no benefits. Fish oil supplements may also be beneficial for lupus and inflammatory kidney diseases, although again, additional research is needed.
Additional Conditions
Several other health conditions are under investigation for treatment by fish oil supplements. Several mental and cognitive conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Alzheimer's disease show conflicting responses to treatment with fish oil. Certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer, may also show beneficial effects after fish oil treatments. Diabetes, dermatitis and osteoporosis require additional research to determine if they can be effectively treated with fish oil supplements.
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