Both protein and fish oil add value to your diet. Protein supplies amino acids and fish oil provides essential fatty acids in support of your health. You can include these nutrients in your diet as separate components or you can consume them together by eating certain types of fish. If you choose to supplement your diet with protein or fish oil rather than take them in through whole food sources, consult a dietitian or your health care provider for advice.
Protein
The protein in your diet supports your immune system and builds your muscle tissue. It repairs injured tissues, synthesizes red blood cells and manufactures hormones. When you consume protein, your body digests it to individual amino acids, which then recombine to create the new proteins your body needs. Of the 20 amino acids in the foods you eat, nine are required in your diet because you lack the ability to synthesize them. These so-called essential amino acids are abundant in animal sources of food proteins, such as fish.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is rich in a type of fat known as omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential to your diet, similar to essential amino acids, because your body is unable to manufacture them. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that function in your body to reduce inflammation. They work in opposition to omega-6 fatty acids, another essential fatty acid, which tends to promote inflammation. Including fish oil in your diet helps keep inflammation in check and may lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease, maintain proper blood pressure and improve symptoms of arthritis.
Sources
Coldwater fatty fish, including sardines, herring, mackerel, halibut, tuna and salmon, contain abundant omega-3 fatty acids as well as high quality protein that provides all your essential amino acids. This nutrient-dense food source may be appealing when you are counting calories or simply looking for an efficient way to add essential nutrients to your diet. Alternatively, you can consume other animal sources of protein to meet your amino acid needs, although these foods -- such as eggs or beef -- may add unhealthy saturated fats and unwanted calories to your diet. Fish oil is also available as a dietary supplement in capsule or liquid form.
Considerations
Despite the nutritional benefits of fish protein and fish oil, some species may contain harmful levels of environmental contaminants, such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls or dioxins. For this reason, children and pregnant or nursing women should limit their weekly fish consumption. Additionally, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may increase bleeding risks if you take aspirin, warfarin or another blood-thinning medication.
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