Facts on Salmon Oil Softgels

Salmon oil contains unsaturated fats called omega-3 fatty acids that reduce your risk for heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids per week. Not all fish oil supplements are created equal. Fish such as cod and some species of tuna have less fatty acid content than does salmon. Salmon oil softgels are an option for people who do not like to eat fish or have trouble fitting it into their weekly diets.

Benefits

Salmon oil softgels are easy to use and convenient if you have trouble getting enough fish in your diet. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon oil softgels support heart health by decreasing your triglycerides, and they may lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure, notes MayoClinic.com. Another benefit of salmon oil is that the fatty acids may reduce inflammation, helping improve arthritis symptoms. They may also boost immunity.

Mercury

Mercury and other contaminants in fish can be harmful to your health, but salmon oil supplements and other high-quality fish oil supplements do not pose the same health risk, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fish oil supplements, such as salmon oil softgels, made by reputable manufacturers that test for quality and purity have a lower risk of mercury contamination. Be sure to read the label for manufacturer information on purity, and talk with your doctor or health care provider about the best-quality salmon oil softgel supplements.

Side Effects

Taking too much salmon oil, over 3 grams daily, may keep your blood from clotting, increasing your chance of bleeding, cautions the National Institutes of Health. Other side effects of taking salmon oil softgels or other fish oils include belching, bad breath, loose stools, nausea, nosebleeds, rash and heartburn. Taking high doses of salmon oil supplements might reduce your immune system’s ability to fight infections, can increase your LDL cholesterol -- the bad cholesterol -- and may increase symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder. Consult with your physician before taking large doses of salmon oil supplements.

Sources of Salmon Oil

Salmon oil used in softgel supplements can come from wild or farmed salmon. Sixty percent of market salmon comes from farmed salmon, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Wild salmon may be exposed to mercury or other contaminants because of ocean pollution. Farmed salmon may also have some contaminants from the chemicals in the fishmeal used to feed salmon. Other chemicals, such as antibiotics or pesticides, may be used in farmed salmon.