Fish oil is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and is beneficial to most people's diets. The body does not produce omega-3 fats and requires them for essential brain and body functions. Many heart-healthy benefits come from taking fish oil. You can receive fish oil in your diet or by taking dietary supplements sold over the counter. As with any dietary herb or supplement, talk with your doctor first before taking fish oil. There are some medical interactions and side effects that could occur when taking the supplement.
Healthy Adults
Healthy adults may not need to take a fish oil supplement. Adding fatty fish to your diet may allow you to receive the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association suggests adults with no history of coronary heart disease eat two servings or more of fatty fish per week. The fish should be baked, broiled, grilled or boiled. Fried fish or fish in the form of fast food sandwiches contains large amounts of cholesterol and fat and eliminate the benefits of fish oil. Types of fish with the highest amount of fish oil include salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies and mackerel, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Heart Disease Patients
If you are diagnosed with coronary heart disease, you may benefit from eating fish daily or taking a fish oil supplement. Each serving of the above fish contains about 1 g of fish oil, the recommended amount set by the American Heart Association for coronary heart disease. Vegetarians or people who do not enjoy seafood may choose to take a fish oil supplement. Take the supplement with food or a heavy snack to buffer any fishy aftertaste, a common side effect of the supplement.
High Triglyceride Levels
Patients with high triglycerides may lower their levels by consuming between 2 and 4 g of fish oil supplements daily, advises the American Heart Association. According to the Cleveland Clinic, taking this amount of fish oil may reduce levels of triglycerides up to 35 percent. If you suffer from high triglycerides you are at risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Triglycerides are a fatty substance in your blood stream. Besides fish oil, lifestyle adjustments to your diet and exercise routines may also decrease high triglyceride amounts.
Risks and Warnings
If you have a heart defibrillator installed, fish oil may cause you to suffer from increased irregular heart rhythms. People with low functioning immune systems, including the elderly and HIV/AIDS patients, should not take fish oil supplements. Fish oil decreases the amount of vitamin E in your body. People who are allergic to seafood may also have an allergic reaction to fish oil. Drugs.com advises you to seek immediate medical attention if hives, flushing of the face, respiratory difficulty, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat are present.
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