Fish oil is a a compound often available as a supplement that contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are among the essential nutrients that your body needs in order to function properly. Typically, you can get enough omega-3 in your diet, but sometimes you may need fish oil supplements to meet your body's needs. Most fish oil supplements provide you with around 300 mg of omega-3 acids, the Three Rivers Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition reports. Triple-strength fish oil often provides 900 mg or more of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to the Mayo Clinic, fish oil provides you with two major types of omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. Healthy adults need at least 0.3 to 0.5 g per day, but higher doses are usually needed to treat certain conditions. In children, fish oil capsules should not be used unless under direct medical supervision. Talk to your doctor about how much omega-3 fatty acids you need.
Lower Triglyceride Levels
Fish oil, combined with exercise and dietary changes, can help lower triglyceride levels, Drugs.com explains. Triglycerides are molecules that carry fat within the bloodstream. High triglyceride levels are associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. You need at least 2 to 4 g of omega-3 fatty acids in order to lower your triglyceride levels, the American Heart Association reports. Triple-strength fatty acids provide 900 mg, or 0.9 mg, per capsule, and therefore, you will need at least three capsules per day.
Prevent Heart Disease
Fish oil is often prescribed to patients who are looking to prevent heart disease or are already suffering from heart disease, MedlinePlus explains. Fish oil can also lower the risk of dying from heart disease. In some cases, fish oil may be more effective then other medications. The exact dosage required to treat heart disease varies, and you should talk to a doctor before using triple-strength fish oil supplements.
Use in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a digestive condition characterized by swelling of the large intestine. Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease typically have low omega-3 fatty acid levels. Triple-strength fish oil supplements have shown the ability to reduce the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease especially when combined with other forms of medication, according to the Three Rivers Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition.
References
- Three Rivers Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition; Fish Oil Supplements; Robert Fusco, MD; September 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-linolenic Acid; April 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-linolenic Acid -- Dosing; April 2011
- Drugs.com; Fish Oil; March 2011
- MedlinePlus; Fish Oil; February 2011
- American Heart Association; Fish 101; January 2010
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