Fish oil supplements, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are popular for their potential health benefits. These omega-3 fatty acids are essential for heart health, as they help reduce the risk of heart attacks, high triglycerides, and high blood pressure¹².

However, whether fish oil is a "good" general supplement can depend on individual dietary habits and health conditions. For instance, people who consume less than 1.5 servings of fish a week, African American individuals, and those with high triglyceride levels may specifically benefit from taking fish oil supplements¹.

It's also important to note that not all studies show a clear link between fish oil supplements and reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes, or heart-related deaths¹. Additionally, high doses of fish oil can lead to side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, and an increased risk of bleeding¹.

For optimal heart health, the American Heart Association recommends consuming about 1 gram of EPA and DHA daily, preferably from eating oily fish². Consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable before starting any new supplement, as they can help tailor recommendations to specific dietary needs and health conditions.

Footnotes

1. https://communityhealth.mayoclinic.org/featured-stories/fish-oil-supplements ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

2. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-figuring-out-fish-oil/ ↩ ↩²