Little difference exists between fish oil and salmon oil other than the source of the seafood. Fish oil is contained in a wide assortment of cold water fish while salmon oil is exclusive to salmon. Fish oils are the primary dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and brain health. Two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids are found in found in fish: eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.
Benefits
Fish oil supplements may relieve symptoms of depression because melancholy has been associated with low blood levels of EPA and DHA, reports MayoClinic.com. Salmon and other fish oil may also reduce the risk of heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, prevent strokes in people with a history of cardiovascular disease, lower triglycerides and help control blood pressure.
Nutritional Value
Salmon and other fish generally contains similar amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, mackerel, tuna, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy, sardines, herring, and trout all provide about 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids per 3.5 oz. servings. For example, 3 oz. of cooked Atlantic salmon or herring contains 1.9 g of omega-3s while the same serving size of Blue Fin tuna has 1.5 g. Three oz. of canned sardines in tomato sauce has 1.5 g.
Considerations
Fish oil supplements are usually made from salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, cod liver, whale blubber, or seal blubber, according to Medline Plus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health. Eating fish may be the best way to provide your body with enough omega-3s. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, sardines and lake tout twice a week or more.
Safety
Fish oil is generally safe when taken in low doses defined as 3 grams or less per day. Belching, heartburn, loose stools, nausea, nosebleeds and rash, are possible side effects of fish oil. Fish meats such shark, swordfish and King mackerel may be contaminated with mercury. Limit or avoid entirely by pregnant and nursing women and young children, cautions the Cleveland Clinic.
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