Fish oil contains large quantities of omega-3 fatty acids and is one of the leading supplements on the market today, according to ConsumerLab's.com February 2010 survey. The supplement is generally taken for heart health, but certain conditions may also benefit from fish oil, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Still, fish oil is ineffective in some circumstances; in other cases more research is necessary to confirm benefits, or studies show conflicting evidence. Talk to your medical provider if you feel fish oil may be useful for you. It is critical to seek medical advice before taking any supplement to avoid causing health complications.
Triglycerides
MedlinePlus reports that fish is effective for decreasing triglyceride levels. High levels of triglycerides, a fatty substance in the blood, may lead to coronary heart disease, diabetes and stroke. According to MedlinePlus, fish oil supplements may decrease blood levels of triglycerides between 20 and 50 percent. The American Heart Association suggests people with high triglyceride levels take between 2 and 4 g of fish oil daily but only under the consent of a physician. High doses of fish oil may cause excess bleeding.
Heart Health
Fish oil may decrease the risk of blood clot buildup that often leads to a heart attack or stroke. The supplement may reduce plaque in the arteries as well as hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Taking the supplement may decrease your blood pressure slightly. University of Maryland experts say patients who have suffered a heart attack reduce their risk of additional heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms or stroke. The American Heart Association recommends consuming 1 g of fish oil daily through the diet or in supplement form.
Considerations
Fish oil does not decrease blood sugar in people with diabetes. However, many people with type 2 diabetes also have high triglyceride levels as well as high cholesterol. Fish oil does aid diabetic patients with these conditions, explains MedlinePlus. This website lists gingivitis, liver disease, leg pain due to blood flow complications, and stomach ulcers as conditions in which fish oil is possibly ineffective.
Need for More Research
Fish oil has been studied in connection with Alzheimer's disease. Studies show no increase in brain function when people take it if the disease is at the mild or moderate stage. There may be benefits of taking fish oil supplements before Alzheimer's disease sets in, but more research is required to confirm this, according to MedlinePlus. Fish oil may slightly decrease the risk of development of cataracts when taken three times per week, but more research on this issue is needed also.
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