Fish oil supplements have tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a possible aid to prevent congestive heart disease. Although the FDA notes more studies are required to determine full effectiveness, doctors recommend using fish oil supplements to both help prevent congestive heart disease and to help decrease your cholesterol levels.
Fish Oil
Manufacturers of fish oil supplements derive their products from the livers of certain fish. Fish oils contain both docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, known as DHA and EPA, respectively. Both of these types of fatty acid come under the classification of omega-3-acid ethyl esters. In addition to cardiovascular benefits, they also may provide some of the same pain relief as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, "Surgical Neurology" magazine reports.
Omega-3 Effects
Omega-3 supplements work to reduce the levels of fatty acids in your body known as triglycerides. These substances, a major component of cholesterol, lodge in your blood vessels and arteries, especially if you have high levels of them. As these particles build up, they begin to narrow your arteries and produce plaque, a hard substance that makes it more difficult for your heart to get blood through your system. Fish oil helps to decrease triglycerides and helps to clear out fatty acid build-up.
Circulation
Fish oil causes your arteries and blood vessels to open more fully. This allows easier circulation of your blood and puts less strain on your heart. As your circulation improves in this manner, your blood pressure will decrease. Also, better circulation reduces your chance of having a heart attack or of dangerous clots forming that could cause a stroke.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins form because of a malfunction in the circulatory system, primarily in your legs. As you move your legs in normal activities such as walking, your muscles work to send oxygen-depleted blood back to your heart. To prevent this blood from staying in your legs, your veins contain flaps that work to stop the reflow of blood back down the veins. If these flaps malfunction, the oxygen-depleted blood can pool and cause your veins to become enlarged, producing varicose veins. While fish oil does improve your circulation, there is little scientific evidence that shows that a supplement can help these flaps to function normally.
References
- FDA: FDA Announces Qualified Health Claims for Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Sept. 2004
- "Surgical Neurology"; ω-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil); J.C. Maroon & J.W. Bost; Oct. 2005
- Drugs.com: Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid; July 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids; June 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Varicose Veins; Jan. 2011
