Omega-3 fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA and alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. Omega-3 fats may lower your risk for high blood pressure, high triglycerides, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, menstrual pain, atherosclerosis and age-related macular degeneration. Fish oil may also help treat rheumatoid arthritis, ADHD and asthma in children.
Omega-3 and Blood Clotting
Omega-3 fats thin the blood slightly. However, the effect is minimal and doesn't appear to affect blood clotting times, according to a study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" in January 2002. Nevertheless, you should avoid taking omega-3 supplements if you take blood thinners, just to be on the safe side.
Recommended Dose
The recommended dose for omega-3 or fish oil supplements varies based on the condition you are taking them for. Healthy people should eat two servings of fatty fish per week to meet their needs, according to the American Heart Association. Doses range from 1 g to 12 g per day. However, doses above 3 g may cause side effects including an increased risk of bleeding, increased LDL cholesterol and reduced immune function, so only take high doses under your doctor's supervision.
Sources
It is best to get your omega-3 fats from food, since food also contains other beneficial nutrients. Omega-3 fats are found in anchovies, bluefish, cod, halibut, herring, mackerel, menhaden, mullet, salmon, sardines, shark, striped bass, sturgeon, trout, tuna and flax seed oil. You can also take either fish oil supplements or supplements containing DHA and EPA.
Considerations
King mackerel, shark, swordfish and tilefish may contain high levels of mercury, so avoid these fish, especially if you are pregnant. Choose fish oil or omega-3 supplements that have been purified to eliminate mercury and other contaminants. People taking aspirin, blood thinners, orlistat, birth control pills or blood pressure medications should check with their doctor before taking fish oil supplements, as these medications may interact with these supplements.
References
- American Cancer Society: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "Consumer Reports"; Q&A: Aspirin Alternative; Oct. 14, 2010
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Impact of n-3 Fatty Acid Supplemented Parenteral Nutrition on Haemostasis Patterns After Major Abdominal Surgery; A.R. Heller, et al.; January 2002
