A fish oil supplement is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital to your body's health. The body does not create omega-3 and the only way to get the fatty acid is through diet. Eating fatty fish is one way, but fish oil supplements are also available for those wanting an extra boost of omega-3. Taking omega-3 fish oil has both advantages and disadvantages. Understand the pros and cons of taking any supplement by discussing it with your health care provider.
Advantage: Heart Health Benefits
Many people primarily take omega-3 fish oil supplements for heart health. Fish oil effectively lowers triglycerides, or fatty substances in the blood. You should try to keep your triglycerides low, as high triglycerides, put you at risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other health complications. Fish oil naturally decreases these levels by as much as 50 percent, reports MedlinePlus. Fish oil also slightly lowers blood pressure, reduces plaque buildup in the arteries and decreases the risk of a recurring heart attack.
Advantage: Access and Availability
Access and ease of availability is one benefit of the omega-3 supplement. Fish oil is considered a supplement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This means it does not require a prescription and is sold over the counter. Most grocery stores and drugstores sell the several varieties of fish oil. Still, it is important to discuss with your doctor whether fish oil is right for you.
Disadvantage: Side Effects
Though omega-3 fish oil is considered generally safe for most people, there are some side effects that can occur. Fishy burps remain the main side effect of the supplement and are generally unpleasant and socially embarrassing. Take the supplement with food or consider a time-release version to avoid the effect, suggests MayoClinic.com. Fish oil is a natural blood thinner, taking more than 3 g of fish oil daily may lead to excess bleeding. You may have excess nose bleeds and your skin may easily bruise. If you take large doses of the supplement, you put yourself at risk from suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the condition is rare but may occur because a blood vessel in the brain has burst.
Disadvantage: Warnings
Fish oil is not always right for everyone. If you have suffered from severe chest pains, irregular heart rhythms and have a defibrillator in place fish oil may not be the right supplement. If you have any of these conditions, your heart muscle may be too weak and additional complications may occur, explains Harvard Health Publications. If you have been prescribed anticoagulant medication, you should check with your doctor before starting omega-3 fish oil supplements. Fish oil thins the blood and prevents blood clots from forming. Taking an additional anticoagulant medication may lead to bleeding complications. Because fish oil naturally lowers your blood pressure, taking the supplement in combination with other hypertension drugs may lower your numbers to dangerous levels.
Member Comments