Choosing between fish oil salmon fish oil is basically a matter of taste. Salmon oil as the name implies comes exclusively from salmon while fish oil is derived for a variety of cold water fish. Fish oil supplements are typically made from an assortment of seafood including salmon, cod liver, herring, mackerel, tuna, and halibut. Salmon fish oil and fish oil both contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for optimum heart function.
Considerations
Salmon fish oil and fish oil have comparable amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, according to Medline Plus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health. Salmon, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy, sardines, herring, trout and menhaden each provide about 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids per 3.5 oz. serving.
Heart Health
Fish oil may help protect healthy people from developing heart disease. Omega-3 fats appear to manage cholesterol, lower blood pressure and heart rate and reduce inflammation which can contribute to the development atherosclerosis, reports Harvard School of Public Health. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque accumulates in your arteries. Eating fish regularly can also help prevent serious heart rhythm disorders associated with sudden cardiac death.
Additional Benefits
Fish oil and salmon fish oil may help guard against prostate cancer and decrease the risk of mental decline in the elderly. Fish has been referred to as "brain food" because some people eat fish in an effort to prevent Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder or ADHD and depression. Fish oil supplements may have mood lifting effects since symptoms of depression have been tied to low blood levels of EPA and DHA, MayoClinic.com explains.
Recommendations/Precautions
Eating 1 to 2 servings per week of salmon, herring, albacore tuna and other cold water fish is recommended by Harvard School of Public Health. Adequate fish consumption is particularly important for women who are pregnant or nursing. From the third trimester through the first year of life baby needs a regular supply of DHA to help the developing brain and nervous system. Swordfish, tilefish shark and King mackerel may be tainted with mercury and should not be consumed by pregnant or nursing women and young children.
References
- Harvard School of Public Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution
- Harvard Health Publications: Health Benefits of Fish : Despite contaminants, fish yields a net health gain
- Mayo Clinic: Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid
- Mayo Clinic: Is there any benefit to taking fish oil supplements for depression?
- Medline Plus: Fish Oil
- Cleveland Clinic: The Power of Fish
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