Fish oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids essential to brain development, heart health, decreased cholesterol levels and a variety of other benefits. Sold as a supplement over-the-counter, fish oil should still be taken in certain recommended amounts, despite not being a prescription medication. High levels of fish oil may cause health complications. Some people should not take fish oil due to medication interactions or other health issues. Always speak with your medical doctor before taking any type of over-the-counter supplement.
Healthy Adults
If you do not suffer from high cholesterol levels and are not diagnosed with coronary heart disease, you may not need to take a daily fish oil supplements, according to the American Heart Association. Instead, the association suggests adding fatty fish into your diet about twice a week. Each serving of fatty fish has about 1 g of fish oil. Remember to cook fish by baking or grilling, instead of pan-frying. Recommended fish high in omega-3 fatty acids includes Atlantic Salmon, herring or halibut.
Coronary Heart Disease
The American Heart Association suggests patients suffering from coronary heart disease to consume 1 g of fish oil day. You may receive enough fish oil by eating fatty fish. Still, cooking fish daily may not be possible. Opt for a dietary supplement when you are unable to eat fish. Look for supplements containing about 1 g of fish oil. Take the supplement before meals, with food to buffer any fishy belches or after taste.
High Triglycerides
If you are diagnosed with high triglyceride levels, between 2 and 4 g of fish oil are recommended daily, by the American Heart Association. This high dose is only recommended under the direct care of a physician. High levels of triglycerides are associated with high cholesterol and heart disease, advises MedlinePlus. Continue to have your triglyceride and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis, to determine how effective the fish oil supplement is. MedlinePlus states fish oil supplements may reduce triglyceride levels between 20 and 50 percent.
Medication Interactions and Contradictions
Fish oil supplements are not recommended when taking certain medications. Fish oil reduces blood pressure. Do not take the supplement if you are also taking hypotension medications. Your blood pressure may drop to unhealthy levels. Patients who have a heart defibrillator installed, suffer from frequent angina and heart arrhythmias should not take fish oil. According to the Harvard Health Publications, fish oil may actually increase the risk of heart attack in these patients. Patients taking anticoagulant medications should avoid fish oil. The supplement is a natural blood thinner and may actually increase the risk of bleeding. Anticoagulant medications include clopidogrel, aspirin and dipyridamole.
Member Comments