What are the health benefits of fish oil??

Question

What are the health benefits of fish oil??

Answer 1

You should also be asking what are the health risks of fish oil.

Studies show fish oil may increase the risk of death and arrhythmias in patients with certain heart conditions, and high doses can worsen control of diabetes and can increase bleeding tendency.

Stomach upset are a common side effect of fish oil supplements. Diarrhea may also occur, with potentially severe diarrhea at very high doses. There are also reports of increased burping, acid reflux/heartburn/indigestion, abdominal bloating, and abdominal pain.

People with low blood pressure or those taking blood-pressure reducing medicines should take care. One of the reported side effects of fish oil is a reduction of blood pressure. The impact on blood pressure appears to be dose dependent.

Vitamin E plays a part in metabolizing omega acids so large doses of fish oil place high demands on the body’s vitamin E supply. To avoid this fish oil side effect, vitamin E is added to many commercial fish oil products. As a result, regular use of vitamin E-enriched products may lead to elevated levels of this fat-soluble vitamin. Fish liver oil contains the fat-soluble vitamins A and D, and therefore fish liver oil products (such as cod liver oil) may increase the risk of vitamin A or D toxicity.

One side effect of fish oils and their fatty acids is an increase low-density lipoprotein levels (”bad cholesterol”) by 5-10%. This is dependent on the dose used. The oils have also been noted to have an effect on blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 / Adult Onset Diabetes.

My advice is not to waste money on unecessary supplements - just enjoy a good oily fish meal once or twice a week.

Answer 2

In addition to being a good source of protein, fish are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which have been found to be helpful in the treatment and prevention of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis. Results from several studies have suggested that eating fish or taking fish oil supplements in certain amounts can lower triglycerides, slow the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques (hardening of the arteries), lower blood pressure slightly, as well as reduce the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known heart disease. Consumption of fish oil by pregnant women has also been found to be beneficial to the development of their infant’s eyes and brains.