Fish oil supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential fats that your body cannot produce on its own¹.

Benefits

1. Cardiovascular Health: Omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in muscle function, particularly for the heart. They are known to reduce the risk of heart attacks, lower high cholesterol, and decrease blood pressure¹².

2. Brain and Cognitive Function: DHA is a major structural component in the brain and is vital for cognitive functions such as learning and memory³. Omega-3 supplements have been shown to support brain health and may be beneficial for those with cognitive impairments⁴.

3. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis¹⁵.

4. Other Health Benefits: Emerging research suggests potential benefits in conditions like hypertension, coronary heart disease, and even mental health disorders⁶.

Considerations

• Who Might Benefit: Individuals who consume less than 1.5 servings of fish a week, African American patients, and those with high triglyceride levels (>200 mg/dL) may benefit from daily fish oil supplements².

• Dosage: The American Heart Association recommends 1 gram per day of EPA plus DHA for general health. For patients with high triglycerides, a higher dose may be recommended².

• Side Effects and Risks: Some side effects include bad breath and heartburn. At high doses, fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding¹².

Before starting fish oil supplements, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and to assess any potential risks, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications²⁵.

Footnotes

1. Mayo Clinic - Fish Oil Supplements, 2021. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

2. Mayo Clinic News Network - Figuring out fish oil, 2022. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

3. Office of Dietary Supplements - Omega-3 Fatty Acids, 2022. ↩

4. Effects of Omega-3 on Brain Functions, 2022. ↩

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - StatPearls. ↩ ↩²

6. Fish Oil Effects on Cardiovascular Diseases, 2022. ↩