Fish Oil

Overview

Fish oil can be obtained by eating fish or taking supplements. Fish that are especially rich in the beneficial oils known as omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, and seal blubber. Two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Certain fish oil is used as a prescription medicine to lower triglycerides levels.

Fish oil is most often used in supplements for conditions related to the heart and blood system. Fish oil is also used for many kidney-related problems. Fish may have earned its reputation as "brain food" because some people eat fish to help with various conditions linked with nerve and brain function. Some people use fish oil for eye conditions that can lead to blindness. Fish oil supplements have also been tried for many other conditions.

Do not confuse fish oil with EPA, DHA, cod liver oil, or shark liver oil. See the separate listings for EPA, DHA, cod liver oil, or shark liver oil.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Oil obtained by eating fish or taking supplements

Primary Functions:

Heart and blood system

Also Known As:

Aceite de Pescado, Acides Gras Oméga-3, Acides Gras Oméga 3

How Does It Work?

A lot of the benefit of fish oil seems to come from the omega-3 fatty acids that it contains. Interestingly, the body does not produce its own omega-3 fatty acids. Nor can the body make omega-3 fatty acids from omega-6 fatty acids, which are common in the Western diet. A lot of research has been done on EPA and DHA, two types of omega-3 acids that are often included in fish oil supplements.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce pain and swelling. This may explain why fish oil is likely effective for psoriasis and dry eyes. These fatty acids also prevent the blood from clotting easily. This might explain why fish oil is helpful for some heart conditions.

Uses

  • High levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia).Most research shows that fish oil can reduce triglyceride levels by 20% to 50%. The effects of fish oil are greater in people with higher triglyceride levels. Also, taking larger amounts of fish oil result reduce triglyceride levels by a greater amount. But fish oil seems to have a smaller effect compared to drugs called fibrates. Certain fish oil preparations, including Lovaza, Omtryg, and Epanova, are approved as prescription drugs for treating very high triglyceride levels. These products are most often taken at a dose of 4 grams daily. This provides about 3.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day. While some non-prescription fish oil supplements have also shown benefit in research, some experts discourage people from using these products. Often these products contain less omega-3 fatty acids than the prescription fish oil products. As a result, people would need to take as many as 12 capsules per day of fish oil supplements to get the same effect as prescription fish oil. Fish oil supplements don't seem to lower triglycerides in children and teens with high triglyceride levels. But these studies were small, so larger higher quality studies are needed to confirm.
  • A procedure to open a blocked or narrowed blood vessel (angioplasty). Research suggests that fish oil decreases the rate of blood vessel re-blockage by up to 45% when given for at least 3 weeks before an angioplasty and continued for one month thereafter. But, when given for 2 weeks or less before angioplasty, it doesn't seem to have any effect.
  • Miscarriage in pregnant women with an autoimmune disorder called antiphospholipid syndrome. Taking fish oil by mouth seems to prevent miscarriages and increase live birth rates in pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome.
  • Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Early research shows that taking fish oil improves attention, mental function, and behavior in children 8-13 years-old with ADHD. Other research shows that taking a specific supplement containing fish oil and evening primrose oil (Eye Q, Novasel) improves mental function and behavior in children 7-12 years-old with ADHD.
  • Bipolar disorder. Taking fish oil along with conventional treatments for bipolar disorder seems to improve symptoms of depression but not mania in people with bipolar disorder.
  • Involuntary weight loss in people who are very ill (cachexia or wasting syndrome). Taking a high dose of fish oil seems to slow weight loss in some cancer patients. Low doses of fish oil don't seem to have this effect. Some researchers believe fish oil slows cancer-related weight loss by fighting depression and improving the mood of people with cancer.
  • Surgery to improve blood flow to the heart (CABG surgery). Taking fish oil seems to prevent coronary artery bypass grafts from re-closing following CABG surgery.
  • High blood pressure caused by the drug cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is a medication that reduces the chance of organ rejection after an organ transplant. Taking fish oil seems to prevent high blood pressure caused by this drug.
  • Kidney damage caused by the drug cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is a medication that reduces the chance of organ rejection after an organ transplant. Taking fish oil seems to prevent kidney damage in people taking this drug. Fish oil also seems to improve kidney function during the recovery phase following the rejection of a transplanted organ in people taking cyclosporine.
  • A motor skill disorder marked by clumsiness (developmental coordination disorder or DCD). A combination of fish oil (80%) and evening primrose oil (20%) seems to improve reading, spelling, and behavior when given to children age 5-12 years with DCD. It is unclear if taking supplements with fish oil can improve motor skills in children with this condition. Results from clinical research are conflicting.
  • Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Research shows that taking fish oil, alone or with vitamin B12 or vitamin E, can improve painful periods and reduce the need for pain medications in women with menstrual cramps.
  • Cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). There is some evidence that women who regularly eat about two servings of fatty fish weekly have a reduced risk of developing endometrial cancer.
  • Heart failure. Higher intake of fish oil from foods has been linked with a reduced risk of heart failure. Eating 1-2 servings of non-fried fish per week is recommended. It's too soon to know if taking fish oil supplements helps prevent heart failure. But early research shows that fish oil supplements might reduce adverse outcomes such as hospital admissions or death in people that already have heart failure.
  • Complications after a heart transplant. Taking fish oil seems to preserve kidney function and reduce the long-term rise in blood pressure after heart transplantation.
  • Abnormal levels of blood fats in people with HIV/AIDS. Some research suggests that taking fish oil reduces triglyceride levels in people with abnormal cholesterol levels caused by HIV/AIDS treatment. Taking fish oil might also reduce total cholesterol levels in these people, although results are inconsistent.
  • High blood pressure. Fish oil seems to slightly lower blood pressure in people with moderate to very high blood pressure. Some types of fish oil might also reduce blood pressure in people with slightly high blood pressure, but results are inconsistent. Fish oil seems to add to the effects of some, but not all, blood pressure-lowering medications. However, it doesn't seem to reduce blood pressure in people with uncontrolled blood pressure who are already taking blood pressure-lowering medications.
  • A condition that slowly leads to kidney disease (IgA nephropathy). Some research shows that long-term but not short-term use of fish oil can slow the loss of kidney function in high-risk patients with IgA nephropathy. Fish oil might have greater effects when taken at higher doses. Also, it might be most effective in people with IgA nephropathy who have higher levels of protein in the urine.
  • Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Research suggests that taking fish oil alone or together with calcium and evening primrose oil slows the rate of bone loss and increases bone density at the thigh bone (femur) and spine in elderly people with osteoporosis. But taking fish oil does not slow bone loss in older people with osteoarthritis in the knee but without weak bones.
  • Scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis). There is some evidence that administering fish oil intravenously (by IV) can decrease the severity of psoriasis symptoms. Also, applying fish oil to the skin also seems to improve some symptoms of psoriasis. But taking fish oil by mouth does not seem to have any effect on psoriasis.
  • A mental disorder marked by hallucinations and delusion (psychosis). Some research shows that taking a fish oil supplement might help prevent full psychotic illness from developing in teenagers and young adults with mild symptoms. These effects of fish oil have not been tested in older people.
  • Raynaud syndrome. There is some evidence that taking fish oil can improve cold tolerance in some people with the usual form of Raynaud syndrome. However, people with Raynaud syndrome caused by a condition called progressive systemic sclerosis do not seem to benefit from fish oil supplements.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Taking fish oil by mouth, alone or together with the drug naproxen (Naprosyn), seems to help improve symptoms of RA. People who take fish oil can sometimes reduce their use of pain medications. Also, administering fish oil intravenously (by IV) reduces swollen and tender joints in people with RA.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

  • For high levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia): Doses of 1-15 grams of fish oil daily for up to 6 months have been used in research. But most experts recommend taking a dose of fish oil that provides about 3.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily. This amount is provided in four 1-gram capsules of prescription-only fish oil products. These prescription-only products include Lovaza (formerly known as Omacor, GlaxoSmithKline), Omtryg (Trygg Pharma, Inc.), and Epanova (AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals). You might need to take as many as 12 capsules daily of most non-prescription fish oil supplements to get the same amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
  • For a procedure to open a blocked or narrowed blood vessel (angioplasty): 6 grams of fish oil daily starting one month before angioplasty and continuing for one months after, followed by 3 grams daily for 6 months thereafter has been used. Also, 15 grams of fish oil has been taken daily for 3 weeks before angioplasty and for 6 months thereafter.
  • For preventing miscarriage in pregnant women with an autoimmune disorder called antiphospholipid syndrome : 5.1 grams of fish oil with a 1.5 EPA:DHA ratio taken daily for 3 years has been used.
  • For attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A specific supplement containing 400 mg of fish oil and 100 mg of evening primrose oil (Eye Q, Novasel) six capsules daily for 15 weeks has been used. Also, 250 mg of omega-3 fatty acids that have been complexed with phosphatidylserine have been used daily for 3 months.
  • For bipolar disorder: Fish oil providing 6.2 grams of EPA and 3.4 grams of DHA taken daily for 4 months has been used. Also, 1-6 grams of EPA for 12-16 weeks or omega-3 fatty acids containing 4.4-6.2 grams of EPA plus 2.4-3.4 grams of DHA for 4-16 weeks have been used.
  • For involuntary weight loss in people who are very ill (cachexia or wasting syndrome): 30 mL of a specific fish oil product (ACO Omega-3, Pharmacia, Stockholm, Sweden) providing 4.9 grams of EPA and 3.2 grams of DHA daily for 4 weeks has been used. 7.5 grams of fish oil daily providing EPA 4.7 grams and DHA 2.8 grams has been used for about 6 weeks. In addition, two cans of a fish oil nutritional supplement containing 1.09 grams of EPA and 0.96 grams of DHA per can have been used daily for up to 7 weeks.
  • For surgery to improve blood flow to the heart (CABG surgery): 4 grams of fish oil containing 2.04 grams of EPA and 1.3 grams of DHA has been used daily for one year.
  • For high blood pressure caused by the drug cyclosporine: 3 to 4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily for 6 months after a heart transplant has been used. 2-18 grams of fish oil daily for 1 to 12 months after a kidney transplant has also been used.
  • For kidney damage caused by the drug cyclosporine: 12 grams of fish oil daily for 2 months has been used after liver transplant. Also, 6 grams of fish oil daily for up to 3 months after kidney transplant has been used.
  • For menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea): A daily dose of 1080 mg of EPA and 720 mg DHA along with 1.5 mg of vitamin E daily for 2 months has been used. Also, 500-2500 mg of fish oil has been used daily for 2-4 months.
  • For heart failure: 600 to 4300 mg of omega-3 fatty acids daily for up to 12 months has been used. Also, 1 gram of fish oil daily for about 2.9 years has been used.
  • For complications after a heart transplant: 4 grams of fish oil containing 46.5% EPA and 37.8% of DHA daily for one year has been used.
  • For abnormal levels of blood fats in people with HIV/AIDS: Two capsules of a specific fish oil supplement (Omacor, Pronova BioPharma, Norway) containing 460 mg of EPA plus 380 mg of DHA twice daily for 12 weeks has been used.
  • For high blood pressure: 4 to 15 grams of fish oil daily, taken in single or divided doses, for up to 36 weeks has been used. Also, 3-15 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily for 4 weeks has been used.
  • For a condition that slowly leads to kidney disease (IgA nephropathy): 1-12 grams of fish oil daily for 2-4 years has been used. Also, 3 grams of fish oil in combination with a drug called renin-angiotensin system blocker (RASB) daily for 6 months has been used.
  • For weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis): Four 500 mg capsules of a mixture of evening primrose and fish oil, taken three times daily with meals along with 600 mg of calcium carbonate for 18 months, has been used.
  • For scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis): Fish oil capsules containing 3.6 grams of EPA and 2.4 grams of DHA daily for 15 weeks along with UVB therapy have been used.
  • For psychosis: Fish oil capsules containing 700 mg of EPA and 480 mg of DHA mixed with tocopherols and other omega-3 fatty acids daily for 12 weeks has been used.
  • For Raynaud's syndrome: A daily dose of 3.96 grams of EPA and 2.64 grams of DHA for 12 weeks has been used.
  • For rheumatoid arthritis (RA): 10 grams of fish oil daily for 6 months, or fish oil containing 0.5-4.6 grams of EPA and 0.2-3.0 grams of DHA, sometimes along with vitamin E 15 IU, daily for up to 15 months has been used.

BY IV:

  • For scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis): 100-200 mL of a specific fish oil solution containing 2.1 to 4.2 grams of EPA and 2.1 to 4.2 grams of DHA (Omegavenous, Fresenius, Oberursel, Germany), given daily for 10 to 14 days, has been used.
  • For rheumatoid arthritis (RA): 0.1-0.2 mg/kg of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil daily for 7 days has been used. Also, 0.2 grams/kg of a specific fish oil solution (Omegaven, Fresenius-Kabi) daily for 14 consecutive days, followed by 0.05 grams of fish oil by mouth daily for 20 weeks, have been used.

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

  • For scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis): Applying fish oil under a dressing for 6 hours daily for 4 weeks has been used.

CHILDREN

BY MOUTH:

  • For a motor skill disorder marked by clumsiness (developmental coordination disorder or DCD): Fish oil providing 558 mg of EPA and 174 mg of DHA in three divided doses daily for 3 months has been used in children aged 5-12 years. A specific supplement containing fish oil in combination with evening primrose oil, thyme oil, and vitamin E (Efalex, Efamol Ltd), taken daily for 4 months, has been used.

Fish Oil Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of fish oil supplements?

Findings show omega-3 fatty acids may help to:

  • Lower blood pressure.
  • Reduce triglycerides.
  • Slow the development of plaque in the arteries.
  • Reduce the chance of abnormal heart rhythm.
  • Reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke.
  • Lessen the chance of sudden cardiac death in people with heart disease.

Do fish oil pills really work?

All but two of these studies found that compared with a placebo, fish oil showed no benefit. Most fish oil supplements are rich in two omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — that can have a blood-thinning effect, much like aspirin, that may reduce the likelihood of clots.

What is the best fish oil supplement?

  • Best Overall: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega.
  • Best Budget: InnovixLabs Triple Strength Omega-3Concentrated Fish Oil.
  • Best Budget Runner-Up: NOW Ultra Omega-3Fish Oil.
  • Best Gummies: Nature Made Fish Oil Gummies.
  • Best Liquid: The Very Finest Fish Oil by Carlson Labs.
  • Best Sustainably Sourced: Carlson Labs Eco Smart Omega-3.

How much fish oil should you take a day?

A vast amount of research supports supplementing with fish oil. Though there are no conclusive recommendations, 250–500 mg per day of combined EPA and DHA — of which fish oil is an excellent source — is enough for most healthy people. Keep in mind that this will vary depending on your needs.

Should I take a fish oil everyday?

But most experts recommend taking a dose of fish oil that provides about 3.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily. You might need to take as many as 12 capsules daily of most non-prescription fish oil supplements to get the same amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Why is fish oil bad for you?

Omega-3 is an essential part of the diet and supplements like fish oil have been associated with a number of health benefits. However, consuming too much fish oil could actually take a toll on your health and lead to side effects such as high blood sugar and an increased risk of bleeding.

Is fish oil bad for your liver?

Fish oil is hailed for its plentiful health benefits. But new research suggests that the long-term consumption of fish oil or sunflower oil may increase the risk of fatty liver disease later in life. The liver damage that occurs in NASH can increase the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Is fish oil worth taking?

Omega-3s contribute to normal brain and eye development. They fight inflammation and may help prevent heart disease and a decline in brain function. ... In fact, fish is as effective as fish oil — if not more so — at preventing many diseases. That said, fish oil supplements are a good alternative if you don't eat fish.

Does fish oil make you gain weight?

So can Omega 3 supplements cause weight gain? At just 45 calories per teaspoon, Omega 3 fish oil isn't likely to make a great difference to your weight provided you're not taking them as a substitute for eating well and exercising regularly.

Is there any reason not to take fish oil?

Omega-3 is an essential part of the diet and supplements like fish oil have been associated with a number of health benefits. However, consuming too much fish oil could actually take a toll on your health and lead to side effects such as high blood sugar and an increased risk of bleeding.

Are there any side effects to taking fish oil?

Fish oil can cause side effects including belching, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, loose stools, rash, and nosebleeds. Taking fish oil supplements with meals or freezing them can often decrease these side effects.

What is the difference between fish oil and omega 3?

There are the fish oils, which contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Then there are the plant sources with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is converted into omega-3 fatty acids in the body. Studies have generally used fish oils as the source for omega-3 fatty acids.

Does fish oil help you lose weight?

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have various potential health benefits, one of which is aiding weight loss. More importantly, fish oil omega-3s may help you lose inches and shed body fat. However, studies have found these effects appear to be modest, and they may not apply to everyone.

Does fish oil help joints?

One-to-three grams of fish oil each day can help reduce the intensity of joint symptoms like morning stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort. The omega-3 fatty acids present in this amount can also increase blood flow throughout the body during exercise, which can help reduce joint pain and swelling.

Is 1000 mg of fish oil too much?

For reference, a typical 1,000-mg fish oil softgel generally contains about 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA, while one teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid fish oil packs in around 1,300 mg. According to the European Food Safety Authority, omega-3 fatty acid supplements can be safely consumed at doses up to 5,000 mg daily (24).

At what age should you take fish oil?

Omega 3 supplements for kids are higher in DHA, which is omega 3 fatty acid that children need the most. Children up to 5 years of age need 150 milligrams of DHA per day. Your child might not need to take omega 3 supplements if he eats a diet that is rich in omega 3.

When should you take fish oil?

When is the best time to take a fish oil supplement? Generally, you can take a fish oil supplement any time during the day. However, it is recommended to take a fish oil supplement with a meal, because taking any supplement on an empty stomach can cause some people to feel nauseous.

What does fish oil do for your skin?

Fish oil contains two main types of omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA keeps the brain functioning properly. And EPA greatly benefits skin by regulating oil production to boost hydration and prevent acne, and by delaying the skins aging process to stave off wrinkles.

Is fish oil bad for your kidneys?

Kidney problems. Long-term use (two years) of fish oil, 4 to 8 grams daily, can slow the loss of kidney function in high-risk patients with a kidney disease called IgA nephropathy. Bipolar disorder. Taking a fish oil supplement might help prevent full psychotic illness from developing in some people with mild symptoms.

Does fish oil make you smell down there?

Bad taste or smell

Fish has a distinctive odor, and so does fish oil. Others say it causes bad breath or makes their sweat smell bad. These side effects are the most common ones that people may associate with fish oil, though there is no evidence that they cause lasting harm.

Is Fish Oil anti inflammatory?

SUMMARY Fish oil has strong anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce symptoms of inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis.

Clinical Studies