Have you been curious about what the benefits of fish oil actually are?
Have you wondered whether or not it’s even worth taking fish oil?
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This is associated with many bodily functions and preventive health benefits.
Let’s take a look at what fish oil really even is and what are the benefits of supplementing with fish oil.
What is fish oil and where is it found?
Fish oil is the fat or oil found in the tissue of oily fish like salmon, herring, tuna, anchovies, and mackerel. Mammals such as humans cannot naturally produce the components found in fish oil. Because of this, eating enough fish or taking fish oil supplements can help you obtain an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important components of cell structure and also have a key role in fat metabolism. In fact, research is ongoing in trying to better understand the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids in such things as metabolism and healing.
What are the components of fish oil?
Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids, eicoapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which have health benefits. Studies have shown that EPA and DHA are important for proper fetal development, including neuronal, retinal, and immune function. EPA and DHA likely also have positive effects on inflammation, heart health, and cognitive function.
What are the health benefits of fish oil?
Fish oil may be associated with several health benefits, including a decrease in the following:
- Inflammation
- Blood pressure
- Triglyceride levels in the blood
- LDL (bad) cholesterol
Omega-3 fatty acids may also lead to an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol and improvements in joint pain and stiffness.
What are the side effects of fish oil supplements?
Fish oil supplements generally do not cause any harm if taken as recommended; however, they can cause side effects including a fishy aftertaste, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, and rash. High doses of fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding.
What are some possible interactions with fish oil?
Taking fish oil supplements can interact with certain medications.
Taking fish oil supplements with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, herbs, or certain other supplements can increase your risk of bleeding.
Low blood pressure may occur if you take fish oil supplements with blood pressure medications.
Some birth control medications may reduce fish oil’s effect on triglycerides.
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli), a weight loss medication, may actually decrease the absorption of fish oil. Therefore, it’s recommended to take Orlistat and fish oil two hours apart.
Always ask your health care provider if you’re unsure whether or not you take any of these types of medications.
How much fish oil should be taken daily?
The recommended daily consumption of combined EPA and DHA is 250-500 mg. Before you buy fish oil supplements, be sure to look at the label on the bottle to see how much EPA and DHA is provided.
In summary…
Fish oil is important for many functions of the body and may be associated with many health benefits. Before you take fish oil supplements, be sure you talk to your doctor about your medications, allergies, health problems, and pregnancy or breastfeeding status. Also, be sure to look at the label on the bottle to determine how much EPA and DHA is provided.
As always, be sure to talk to your health care provider before taking any new supplements.
Dr. Sergio Guiteau is a physician who has certifications in Aesthetic Medicine and is board certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine. He specializes in Anti-Aging Medicine and blogs on Advancedrejuv.com/blog