It seems like fish oil is recommended for anything that ails you. The real reason to take fish oil is the same reason to take vitamins; fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, an essential lacking in the modern diet. Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids can have wide-ranging effects, including chronic inflammation and disrupted signaling in the brain. That's why you should take fish oil.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Your body is unable to produce omega-3 fatty acids and must consume adequate amounts in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids make up important raw materials in the synthesis of molecules that control inflammation and make up the membranes of all cells in the body. Deficiency of dietary omega-3 may bias your body toward inflammation and disrupt signaling in your brain and heart.
Disease Prevention
Taking fish oil to ensure that your body has adequate levels of omega-3 may help prevent many diseases, but it is unclear whether taking an excess of fish oil may help treat diseases not directly caused by omega-3 deficiency. Unchecked inflammation in your body is similar to leaving a door on your house open: Debris may blow in causing damage and increasing the risk of many diseases. Inadequate omega-3 intake may worsen neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Disease Treatment
Taking fish oil may help reduce blood clotting, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure in those at risk for congestive heart disease. Symptoms of diseases including arthritis, diabetes, depression, asthma and bipolar disorder have been improved by fish oil supplements, although results have been inconsistent. It is unclear in many of these studies whether the effects were due to the correction of omega-3 deficiency or effects in addition to that.
Why Fish Oil?
The only truly essential omega-3 fatty acid is ALA, alpha linoleic acid, from which your body can make all other omega-3 fatty acids and products. For many your body much first convert ALA into DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, and EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid, to be used in certain processes in your body. Many people, especially older men, may be unable to make adequate amounts of DHA and EPA from dietary ALA. Fish oil is a very rich source of EPA and DHA.
Safe Supplementation
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should supplement with 3 g of fish oil per day providing approximately 1 g of EPA plus DHA. Higher supplementation may inhibit blood clotting too much raising the risk of bleeding and should not be done without the supervision of your doctor. Fish oil capsules with enteric coating that prevents them from dissolving before reaching the small intestines may prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. Taking fish oil supplements with a meal may also prevent discomfort and improve absorption.
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