Fish oil is a supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids, which are an essential fatty acids, or EFA, that the human body cannot produce itself. People who don't eat fish or nuts may not be getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Fish oil supplements offer an easy way get enough of the EFA in your diet. While the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may not directly affect your weightlifting results, they often improve results indirectly.
Identification
Fish oil supplements are comprised of beneficial fish oils contained in certain types of fish, such as tuna, salmon, sturgeon and sardines. A 3.5-oz. serving of fish produces about 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids, according to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. Fish oil is used to treat and prevent a variety of ailments, most relating to the heart and blood vessels. Fish oil supplements often contain added vitamins and nutrients, such as calcium and vitamins A, C, D and B.
Benefits
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMM, fish oils may lower the risk of heart disease and triglycerides -- fat in the bloodstream, reduce the risk of some cancers and improve cholesterol and blood pressure. Other benefits especially beneficial for weightlifters include reduced inflammation in the joints, lowered risk of osteoporosis and elevated mood.
Weightlifters
Shannon Clark of Bodybuilding.com suggests fish oil does not have a direct effect on how fast you build muscle in the weight room. So, fish oil can't be put into the same category as whey protein or creatine, which do have a direct affect on muscle growth. However, fish oil can indirectly improve your results by helping to reduce joint pain associated with heavy lifting, improving bone health and boosting your mood. When you're in a good mood, you're more likely to stick to your workout schedule and are less likely to skip days because you're not feeling up to it.
Amount
NIH states that fish oil is likely safe for most people when consumed in doses of 3 grams per day or less. Taking more than the recommended dose may lead to possible complications, including increased chance of bleeding, reduced immune system function and increased cholesterol in some people. Since fish oil does not directly affect weightlifting results, consuming more of it has no added benefit related to weight-training results.
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