To a certain degree, fish oil can help circulation, but not directly. Fish oil — as well as other supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids — can manage both the level of triglycerides in the bloodstream and the development of plaque in the arteries. Talk to your doctor before taking this or any other supplement to improve blood circulation.
Triglycerides
Fish oil is of most benefit in reducing triglycerides, which is a form of fat found in the bloodstream. Although the exact cause isn’t well understood, high levels of triglycerides can lead to hardening and subsequent narrowing of the arteries. As blood vessels narrow, it decreases blood flow. If you take fish oil, you can expect to reduce triglyceride levels by as much as 20 percent, thereby helping maintain good blood circulation.
Plaque
Besides its benefit on triglycerides, fish oil — or at least its omega-3 fatty acids — appears to slow the development of plaque along the arterial walls, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Plaque is often associated with high blood cholesterol. When you have high levels of cholesterol in the blood, any excess can build up within the arteries and eventually forms into plaque. Like triglycerides, this can narrow your arteries, restricting blood flow. Slowing the development of plaque can obviously benefit blood circulation.
Dosage
To treat high triglycerides, the suggested dosage is set at anywhere between 1 and 4 grams per day, according to the National Institutes of Health. The University of Maryland Medical Center, however, recommends taking no more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids each day, unless under the supervision of a medical professional. To slow the development of plaque, no set dosage is given.
Warning
Taking fish oil — or any other supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids — can adversely interact with blood-thinners. In fact, fish oil can increase the efficacy of aspirin, warfarin and clopedogrel. While this may help blood move through the body much easier, it can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking fish oil to improve any cardiovascular condition.
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