Liver disease is an umbrella term used by the medical community to describe a plethora of disorders and diseases that impair the functionality of the liver. While the exact condition may vary, symptoms of liver disease typically include yellowing of the eyes or skin, also known as jaundice, as well as abdominal pain. Fish oil contains a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, and it is used to treat high cholesterol and other cardiovascular ailments. While some natural medicine proponents claim fish oil is beneficial for liver disease, other studies find this supplement may cause complications.
Fish Oil Active Compounds
Fish oil supplements contain a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. The Mayo Clinic reports that these compounds have been known to lower cholesterol triglycerides, reduce the risk of heart attack and may possible lower blood pressure. While initial research regarding the effectiveness of fish oil supplements is promising, further research into these compounds is necessary to determine its true effectiveness.
Omega-3 and Liver Disease
The primary constituent of fish oil, omega-3 fatty acid, has been found to protect the liver from damage due to obesity complications. Initial research performed on mice found resolvins and protectins, which are derived from omega-3, protected the liver from insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. A study cited by the Life Extension Foundation found fish oil omega-3 fatty acids were also shown to reduce liver inflammation caused by liver disease and cirrhosis of the liver. Even though research suggests fish oil and its compounds may be beneficial for liver disease and its symptoms, National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus marks this supplement ass possibly ineffective for liver disease.
Dosage Recommendations
The Mayo Clinic suggests consulting with your physician to determine the appropriate daily dose of fish oil. This is especially important if you have liver disease. The World Health Organization suggests consuming 0.3 to 0.5 g of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid per day and 0.8 to 1.1 g of alpha-linolenic acid per day.
Safety Considerations
While fish oil is promising for liver disease, the consumption of fish oil may increase your risk of bleeding, so it is possibly unsafe for those with liver disease. As with many natural supplements, fish oil carries potential side effects. The most common side effects include back pain, upset stomach, minor skin rash and unpleasant breath odor. More serious side effects include uneven heartbeat, chills, fever, body aches and chest pain.
References
- Medline Plus; Liver Disease; David C. Dugdale III, M.D., et al.; August 2010
- Medline Plus; Fish Oil; February 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid; July 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid -- Dosing; July 2011
- Medical News Today; How Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protect Against Liver Damage and Insulin Resistance; February 2009
- Life Extension: Cirrhosis and Liver Disease
