Fish Oil - So Many Benefits!

Recommendations abound telling us to eat fish to stay healthy. A review published in American Family Physician (2004;70:133-40) covers the conditions for which eating fish and taking fish oil, or omega-3 fatty acid, supplements are most well-researched.

Evidence has shown that omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory, antiarrhythmic, and antithrombotic properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefit of fish oil in cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends that the general population eat fish two times per week, while those with known coronary heart disease (CHD) should consume fish on a daily basis. Research shows fish oil can significantly reduce the incidence of sudden death caused by cardiac arrhythmias and all-cause mortality in patients with known CHD.

Persons with high cholesterol or lipids, also known as hyperlipidemia, can also take advantage of fish oil supplementation. The author of the study, Maggie B. Covington M.D., discusses a review of human studies that concluded 4g of omega-3 fatty acids can decrease serum triglyceride levels by 25-30%. Similar results have also been found when fish oil is combined with lipid lowering medications. Fish oil can also be beneficial in hypertension, or high blood pressure. Dr. Covington states, "Omega-3 fatty acids appear to have a dose-response hypotensive effect in patients with hypertension and have little to no effect in normotensive patients." In rheumatoid arthritis, at least 3g per day can significantly decrease morning stiffness and tender, swollen joints.

What is great about fish oil supplementation is there are relatively few adverse effects. Bleeding time could possibly be affected at high doses, but there have not been any recorded cases of this phenomenon even at high doses and with anticoagulants. Fishy aftertaste and gastrointestinal disturbances are the main adverse effects, and are dose dependent. When choosing a supplement, caution must be taken to ensure it is free of PCBs, dioxins and methylmercury, common contaminants in fish oil supplements. If you are dealing with high quality, professional companies, this is rarely a problem.