Fish oil is a supplement that is often made from fatty fish but can also be synthesized from seal or whale blubber, MedLinePlus explains. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and may also be supplemented with some vitamins and minerals, including calcium, and vitamins A and D. Omega-3 fatty acids can be used to treat a variety of health conditions, but omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from sources aside from fish oil
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are special polyunsaturated fatty acids that all have chemical bonds in similar positions, the Linus Pauling Institute explains. The body cannot synthesize these fatty acids, so they must be obtained from the diet, making them "essential" fatty acids. Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, also known as EPA and DHA. Another type of omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linoleic acid, can be found in flaxseed oil, walnuts and other plant sources.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Heart Disease
Fish oil is commonly used to reduce the risk of heart disease. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can reduce a number of risk factors for heart disease, including lowering triglyceride levels and increasing high-density lipoprotein, or HDL the so-called "good" cholesterol levels. Fish oil may also reduce blood pressure, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains, which can prevent atherosclerosis and keep the heart from becoming strained or stressed. Omega-3 fatty acids also interfere with the formation of blood clots.
Other Uses
Omega-3 fatty acids may effectively treat other health problems as well. These fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can aid in the treatment of asthma, arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on psychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have also been examined, though it is unclear whether these fats are an effective treatment. Omega-3 fatty acids also increase calcium levels in the blood, which may prevent osteoporosis.
Considerations
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, are responsible for most of the positive effects attributed to omega-3 fatty acids. Alpha-linoleic acid must be converted by the body to these other two omega-3 fatty acids to have an effect. You should not take more than 3 grams of fish oil each day, MedLinePlus reports, as this can interfere with blood clotting, resulting in easy bruising and bleeding.
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