More people consume fish oil with Omega-3 than any other supplements, reports ConsumerLab.com's February 2010 survey. Benefits of taking fish oil include a range of cardiovascular and heart benefits. However, depending on what you are taking fish oil for, your dosage may vary. In some instances, a daily supplement may not even be necessary. Although the supplement is available without a doctor's prescription, taking large quantities of fish oil may have negative side effects. Therefore, you should still discuss adding Omega-3 fish oil to your diet with a medical professional.
Dietary Intake
If you are in relatively good health -- and do not have cardiovascular disease -- you may not require a daily Omega-3 supplement. The American Heart Association, AHA, recommends healthy adults include two or more servings of fish in their diet each week. Due to their high content of Omega-3, fatty fish, salmon, tuna and herring are recommended. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in plant-based foods, such as flaxseed, walnuts and kale, though the body may not readily use these fatty acids as easily as fish oil. When preparing fish, avoid pan-frying; bake or grill the fish instead.
Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a fatty substance found in the body that's closely related to cholesterol. High levels of triglycerides are related to heart disease as well as untreated diabetes. Fish oil decreases triglycerides by up to 50 percent, reports MedlinePlus. According to the AHA, you should consume between 2 and 4 g of fish oil daily to reduce your levels. Besides Omega-3 fatty acids, lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can improve your triglyceride levels as well.
Heart Health
When diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, the AHA suggests adding 1 g of Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet daily. The AHA prefers Omega-3 to come from fatty fish, but a supplement is also beneficial. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and herring, often contain about 1 g of fish oil per 3.5-oz serving. Fish oil benefits your heart and cardiovascular system by decreasing blood pressure, reducing arterial plaque and preventing the hardening of arteries.
Additional Guidelines
Taking 3 g or more of Omega-3 fatty acids daily may increase the risk of side effects, reports MedlinePlus. Only patients under the direct order of a physician should take this large of an amount. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, signs of Omega-3 deficiency include fatigue, depression, memory loss, dry skin and decreased circulation. In addition to heart health, other health conditions may also benefit from fish oil and Omega-3 fatty acids, including depression, ADHD, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. Still, more clinical evidence is required for specific dosage requirements.
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