As you age, you may build up plaque in your arteries that can block your normal flow of blood. Plaque deposits can result from high levels of fatty acids called triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, also known as the bad form of cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe various medications to help stop the buildup of plaque as well as to reduce the plaque already clogging your blood vessels. Over-the-counter supplements also may help to reverse the state of plaque buildup in your blood vessels.
Fish Oil Benefits
Fish oil manufacturers extract and combine EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, in the gel capsules you buy as fish oil supplements. Both of these types of fatty acids classify as omega-3-acid ethyl esters. Doctors frequently recommend taking fish oil to help lower your LDL and triglycerides in combination with standard medications.
Fish Oil Side Effects
Fish oil supplements can cause some side effects when you start using them. Some of these, such as pain in your chest, an irregular heartbeat or symptoms similar to the flu classify as serious, according to Drugs.com. If you develop angina or your heart starts beating irregularly, you will need to speak with your physician as soon as possible. If you start taking fish oil supplements and you suddenly get a fever, chills, rhinitis, congestion or bodily aches, you also should seek your doctor's counsel immediately. You also may get some temporary adjustment-period side effects such as a fishy breath smell, discomfort in your stomach or pain in your back from fish oil supplements. These usually cease on their own in a few days.
Niacin Benefits
Vitamin B-3, also called niacin, also works to help reduce and reverse the plaque buildup in your arteries. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that doctors have recommended niacin to help boost high-density lipoproteins, the good cholesterol, and lower triglycerides and LDL, beginning in the 1950s. While it may not specifically reverse plaque already clogging your arteries, niacin can help prevent the further buildup of the blockages.
Niacin Side Effects
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, niacin, specifically at higher then normal doses, can cause some unpleasant side effects. You may become nauseous when you start using it as a supplement. Your vision may become blurry because of the change in fluid levels in your body. Since niacin helps open your blood vessels more, blood flows more easily, changing the fluid levels. The UMMC says that you may increase your risk of damaging your liver when using niacin.
Combining Fish Oil and Niacin
Both of these supplements can help to stabilize your cholesterol levels and prevent further plaque buildup. Fish oil also may help to reverse the plaque buildup and reduce it. Combining the two may help, but you should specifically ask your physician about your plan to do so before starting. He may have specific advice for you, especially if you have health conditions either of the substances might affect.
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