Fish oil, from the diet or from a supplemental source such as fish oil capsules, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that may protect against heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other physical and mental health conditions. Although fish oil capsules are readily available without a prescription in health food stores, drug stores and the pharmacy section of larger department stores, it is best to consult with your doctor before taking these supplements because of possible side effects.
History
According to research done at Vanderbilt University, back in the 1970s, when Eskimos native to Greenland were found to have significantly low rates of heart disease and arthritis, Danish physicians began to take a closer look at the native diet. The Eskimo diet was found to be very high in fat and cholesterol, but much of the fat was coming from oily fish. Subsequent research has concluded that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils has a positive and protective effect on health. The American Heart Association now recommends that people with high blood triglycerides (fats) or documented heart disease take fish oil supplements in consultation with their physicians.
Effects
Fish oil helps protect against heart disease by lowering blood pressure and triglycerides and interfering with blood clotting. Studies have also shown that fish oil capsules have an anti-inflammatory effect, and when taken regularly for at least three months can improve joint stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Although some research has indicated that fish oil capsules may improve mood and brain function in people with depression, bipolar disorder and Alzheimer's disease, more clinical studies are needed before expert recommendations can be given. Further studies are also necessary to determine whether fish oil supplements are beneficial to all people or only for people with specific heart conditions, and if fish oil is effective against joint pain for longer periods of time.
Potential Benefits
The triglyceride-lowering benefits of fish oil may be helpful to people with diabetes, who are prone to developing high triglyceride levels and other conditions that can lead to heart disease. Although experts debate the benefits for medical conditions other than heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis, some studies have shown that fish oils may also help prevent bone loss in people with osteoporosis, slow down the development of various types of cancer and ease menstrual pain, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids, some fish oil capsules supply significant amounts of vitamins A and D.
Features
Fish oil supplements typically come in soft gelatin capsules containing fish oil concentrate that provides two types of naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The fish oil itself may be blended from a variety of oily fishes. If the label indicates that the supplements have an enteric coating, it means that the capsules will not dissolve until they reach the small intestine, which helps eliminate any fishy odor or aftertaste the user might experience.
Warning
Government health experts consider fish oil capsules to be safe in doses of up to 3 grams a day, however supplements should be taken under a doctor's supervision, particularly by people with seafood allergies, diabetes or other medical conditions, especially those that require medication. Side effects of fish oil capsules may include nosebleeds, upset stomach, heartburn and fishy aftertaste. Taking fish oil capsules may also increase LDL (bad) cholesterol slightly and, over time, cause a vitamin E deficiency. There is also a risk of vitamin A or D toxicity from high doses of fish oil, especially if taken with other nutritional supplements.
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