Fish oil is a dietary supplement that contains a rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential fatty acids that your body needs in order to function. Often you can obtain omega-3 fatty acids from your diet. Foods such as fish and certain vegetables are abundant in omega-3. Some people will need to supplement their diet with fish oil supplements. You should take the proper dosage of fish oil in order to ensure that the supplement will be effective.
Fish Oil Dosage
The recommended consumption or dosage of fish oil is based upon how much omega-3 fatty acids the supplement contains. Most fish oil supplements contain two types of omega-3, namely docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. Adults older than 18 should consume 0.3 to 0.5 g of EPA and DHA daily, MayoClinic.com reports. This dosage supplies the body with all of the omega-3 fatty acid it needs. Children should not be given fish oil capsules, as the benefits and side effects of the supplement have not been fully studied.
How to Take Fish Oil Capsules
Talk to your doctor prior to adding fish oil capsules to your diet. Swallow the capsule whole and do not break or puncture the supplement. Furthermore, you should take the fish oil capsule with food for maximum effectiveness, Drugs.com explains. Fish oil should be only part of a treatment program that also includes diet, exercise and medication. While you are taking fish oil, make sure to keep in regular contact with your physician.
Uses
MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, says that fish oil has proven effective in two main uses. The first common use of fish oil is to lower triglycerides, which are fats that are seen in your blood. High triglyceride levels have been associated with an increased risk of liver and cardiovascular disease. Fish oil can cause a 20 to 50 percent decrease in triglyceride levels. Though not as effective as more powerful medications, fish oil can be used in some patients.
Fish oil can also be used to reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attacks, MedlinePlus reports. Healthy patients should take fish oil in order to stay free from heart disease. If you are already suffering from heart disease, taking fish oil supplements will decrease your chances from dying from that disease.
Side Effects
As with most supplements and medications, there are several side effects associated with fish oil. Severe allergic reactions, including hives, swelling of the face or throat and breathing difficulties, require emergency medical treatment, Drugs.com warns. Other serious side effects include fever, chills, chest pain and abnormal heartbeats. Milder side effects include back pain, stomach discomfort and a mild skin rash.
Member Comments