When visiting a drug store and choosing a fish oil supplement, you may be confused by the many different brands available. Still, there are key factors to look for when picking out this heart-healthy supplement. Most information may be found on the supplement's label; however, you may need to visit a fish oil manufacturer's website for more specific information. Remember to consult with your medical doctor before taking fish oil or other nutritional supplements to avoid health complications.
Purification
Read the label to find information about the purification process involved. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, suggests only taking fish oil supplements from companies that certify the supplement free from contaminants. These contaminants may include high levels of mercury, lead and cadmium. Some fish oil supplements may contain the symbol USP associated with the third party group U.S. Pharmacopia. This nonprofit group verifies the safety of nutritional supplements.
Ingredients
The two different types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. The amount of each acid should be identified on the fish oil's label. Your doctor may recommend a specific dose of each acid per day,instead of giving you an overall amount of fish oil to take. Each fish oil supplement often carries different amounts of the fatty acids even though the total fish oil capsule dose is relatively the same. Different types of fish used also carry different amounts of fish oil, advises the UMMC. Some capsules contain small amounts of vitamin E to decrease spoilage, adds MedlinePlus. Additional vitamins may be added to the fish oil for additional health benefits.
Fish Used
Fatty cold-water fish are used in fish oil capsules. According to MedlinePlus, salmon, tuna, mackerel and halibut are commonly processed to create the supplement. Still, be aware that seal and whale blubber are occasionally used. If you are a vegetarian, algae capsules provide the same amount of omega-3 fatty acids as fish oil. Fish eat the plants and receive high amounts of omega-3 from algae.
Additional Tips
Most fish oils should be refrigerated or frozen for storage. Take your daily fish oil capsules with food to avoid the fishy aftertaste, advises MayoClinic.com. If you have excess bleeding symptoms such as a bloody nose, abnormally heavy menstrual cycles, bleeding of the gums or blood in your urine, seek immediate medical attention. Consult with your doctor before taking the supplement, especially if you are also taking anticoagulant or antihypertensive medications. Fish oil has the same effect as these drugs and may intensify a medication's effect.
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