Fish Oil and your Health

It is estimated that one in five adults over the age of 60 years takes a fish oil supplement for various reasons, including heart health. However, evidence for the use of fish oil supplements to prevent or improve many medical conditions is mixed.

What is fish oil?

Fish oil supplements usually include the two omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important for several functions in the body.

Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in found in seafood, such as fatty fish (e.g., salmon, tuna, and trout) and shellfish (e.g., crab, mussels, and oysters). Another kind of omega-3, called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is found in other foods, including some vegetable oils (e.g., canola and soy).

What are the benefits of taking fish oil supplements for heart health?

A review of clinical studies provides some evidence to suggest that taking fish oil at certain doses may reduce cardiovascular disease events for people that already have a history of heart disease. However, no benefit was shown to prevent heart disease in those without such a history.

Taking a prescription drug form of omega-3 fatty acids has been found to decrease triglyceride levels in those with high triglyceride levels when used alone or with other lipid-lowering medications.

Are there other conditions that may benefit from taking fish oil?

Studies have provided inconclusive results for the use of fish oil supplementation in prevention of cancer (breast, prostate, colon/rectal), dementia, progression of age-related macular degeneration, dry-eye disease. More research is needed to confirm if supplemental fish oil may be helpful to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis when taken with other medications.

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What are the risks associated with taking fish oil supplements?

Recent studies have raised concerns about a potential increased risk of atrial fibrillation (a-fib, AF) and stroke with the use of fish oil supplements, especially in people without cardiac disease.

What else should I know before taking fish oil supplements?

Fish oil supplements may interact with your medications. One example is the effect that fish oil may have on blood clotting when taken with warfarin (Coumadin®) and other similar anticoagulants.

There are some potential common side effects noted with fish oil supplementation such as unpleasant taste, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, headache, and unusually smelly sweat.

Should I take a fish oil supplement?

Evidence has shown that a healthy, balanced diet including seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon, trout, tuna) is best for optimal heart and overall health. Experts recommend eating seafood (8 oz or more) at least once or twice a week to provide a source of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

If you do not have heart disease, current research does not show a benefit for taking fish oil supplements to prevent heart disease and possibly may have some associated risks. If you have coronary heart disease or high levels of triglycerides, it is best to check with your doctor before taking fish oil supplements to discuss if there are possible benefits for your health.

Summary

If your doctor recommends taking an over-the-counter fish oil supplement, be sure to ask your pharmacist for help in selecting an appropriate product and dosage for you.