Fish oil is often used as a health supplement because it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Specifically, fish oils made from fatty fish, such as herring, salmon and sardines, are one of the few dietary sources of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid, abbreviated DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, abbreviated EPA. These two omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in many biological processes in your body, including the formation of the nervous system and regulation of the immune system. Because many Americans do not consume the two servings per week of fish recommended by the Food and Drug Administration, taking fish oil supplements can provide many health benefits. However, as with any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking fish oil.
Cardiovascular Disease
Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids provide several benefits for the health of your cardiovascular system. Regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein, frequently called LDL or "bad" cholesterol. This reduction in LDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of plaque formation inside arteries, a contributing factor to heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce the levels of a type of fat molecule in the blood called triglycerides, which lowers the risk of heart disease, reports Medline Plus. Omega-3 fatty acids also appear to prevent heart arrhythmias and reduce the risk of heart attack.
Fetal Development
The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are found in high levels in the tissue of the nervous system and brain, and sufficient dietary intake of these fatty acids during pregnancy may be necessary for healthy development of an unborn baby's nervous system, says the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Taking fish oil supplements containing DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and breast-feeding may improve brain development in infants.
Reducing Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy often causes severe side effects, including malnutrition and rapid weight loss. Fish oil supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce these side effects. A recent, small clinical trial found that fish oil supplements were able to prevent the weight loss that often accompanies chemotherapy, according to a study published in the February 2011 issue of the medical journal "Cancer." Although these preliminary results are promising, additional large-scale trials are necessary to confirm these findings.
Additional Benefits
Supporters of fish oil supplements claim that several other health benefits are associated with fish oil supplements, including high blood pressure, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, osteoporosis, stoke, kidney problems and rheumatoid arthritis. For most of these conditions, the available data points to conflicting benefits for these conditions, says Medline Plus. Additional research is needed to confirm these results.
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