Friday, March 22, 2024
HomeMust ReadIs Fish Oil Vitamins Good For You

Is Fish Oil Vitamins Good For You

How Much Fish Oil Do We Need

How Good For You is Fish Oil Really? | FRONTLINE

UK guidelines recommended we eat two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily. The BDA outlines a child’s portion as one to five tablespoons depending on age, while for the over-12s and adults, it’s 140g of fresh fish or a small tin.

One of the advantages of omega-3 is the effect on our cognitive health and brain function.

But some of us could benefit from a bit more. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and women trying to conceive should eat two portions of oily fish a week. ‘One of the advantages of omega-3 is the effect on our cognitive health and brain function, and this all starts in the womb, so the benefits of the omega-3 a woman eats in the pre-conception and antenatal periods will permeate into the baby,’ says Miller.

This positive impact on cognition and brain health extends beyond the womb, with people who have a diet rich in omega-3 at lower risk of depression, according to several studies.

How Long Do Fish Oil Supplements Take To Work

Fish oil supplements do seem to work, but it isn’t clear how long they take to work, according to Carol Haggans, a nutrition scientist at the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Part of this is to do with the studies we have at hand to suggest fish oil supplements are of benefit at all.

“Most studies examining the health effects of fish oil for conditions like cardiovascular disease last many years, like 5 years or even longer,” she tells Inverse. “The idea is to increase your intake of omega-3’s to see if they have long-term health benefits.”

There are some studies which have tested omega-3 supplements over shorter time frames. For instance, one 2011 study found omega-3s lowered inflammation and anxiety in a group of 68 students after just 12 weeks.

Vetoquinol Triglyceride Omega Omega

Are you looking for an omega-3 fatty acid that can provide quick relief to your cats rashes from allergies or skin disease? If so, Vetoquinol Triglyceride OMEGA supplement is the one you are looking for.

It uses the same omega-3 fatty acids used by humans to promote their overall health and wellness, and the liquid formulation is also enriched with vitamin A, vitamin D3, and vitamin E, aside from its EPA and DHA concentration.

Vetoquinol Triglyceride OMEGA Supplement comes with a liquid pump for easier administration onto your cats food.

Additionally, it contains the only fish oil in its natural or triglyceride form that has been granted the USP ingredient verification.

And since its great for both cats and dogs, it is also an amazing fish oil supplement for multiple pet households.

Recommended Reading: What Foods Give You Vitamin B

Helps Asthma & Allergies

Other benefits from fish oil include reduction of asthma and allergies. An old study found that children with asthma reduced its severity by using fish oil. This happened after ten months of taking 84mg of EPA and 36mg of DHA daily.

A similar observation surfaced in a 2003 double-blind study involving elite athletes. All participants were experiencing exercise-induced asthma. A steady diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids decreased the severity of the asthma attack while exercising.

One 2015 review of many observational studies discovered an important causal relationship. There was an observed higher incidence of allergic diseases by lower intake of fish oil in modern diets. This trend falls in line with another controlled trial. Fish oil supplements in pregnant women lower the risk of infants having allergies.

Memory And Other Mental Health Benefits

Nature Made Burp

In addition to postpartum depression,

A 2013 study found that people who took fish oil supplements for longer than 1 month had better cardiovascular function during mentally stressful tests.

In 2012, researchers noted that fish oil, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, appeared to help stabilize atherosclerotic lesions.

The AHA recommend eating fish, and especially oily fish, at least twice per week. They say that this may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

However, in 2012, of 20 studies involving almost 70,000 people found no compelling evidence linking fish oil supplements to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or early death.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Most Bioavailable Form Of Vitamin C

Arthritis And Autoimmune Diseases

Fish oil has been found to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by reducing morning stiffness, joint tenderness, and the number of swollen joints and regulating the immune response. Fish oil can also help manage cardiovascular risk factors, which is important since people with RA are at an increased risk of a heart attack.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, fish oil can also be used for:

  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Slowing the progression of atherosclerosis
  • Reducing abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias

If you are taking fish oil because you have high triglycerides, a type of fat associated with increased risk of heart disease, your doctor may prescribe a prescription fish oil like Lovaza for you. Prescription fish oil capsules contain highly purified fish oil with a greater concentration of omega-3 fatty acids than most over-the-counter fish oil capsules.

Should I Try Fish Oil Supplements

For healthy individuals, fish oil supplements are unnecessary. Its better to eat a few servings of fish a week, instead.

The largest study called the Vital study done by Brigham and Womens Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, followed more than 25,000 people since 2010 and focused on whether taking daily dietary supplements of vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of cardiac events or cancer in otherwise healthy individuals.

It found that omega-3 supplements didnt reduce the risk of major cardiac events in a usual-risk population, but did reduce the risk in a subset of people with low fish intake by 19 percent. The study is considered the medical gold standard.

African-Americans benefited regardless of fish intake, showing a 77 percent lower risk of heart attack. This could be a chance finding, said Dr. JoAnn Manson, a director of the study and the chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Womens Hospital. We do plan to pursue it in greater detail and try to replicate it in a separate trial because if this can be reproduced, that would be a very dramatic benefit to African-Americans.

Because there is still more research to be done, experts dont necessarily recommended that African-Americans take omega-3.

If you have some history of heart disease or high triglycerides , it may be a good idea to take omega-3.

Also Check: When To Take Vitamin C

Barleans Ideal Omega3 Softgels

Price: $$$

Just one Ideal Omega3 softgel capsule contains 1,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA sourced from pollock, making it quick and easy to get your daily dose.

In addition to holding a 5-star rating from IFOS, this pharmaceutical-grade supplement has also been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council for its sustainable fishing practices.

Plus, its available in orange-flavored softgels to help mask the unpleasant taste and smell of fish oil.

Whats The Difference Between Taking A Supplement And Eating Oily Fish

Fish Oil Supplements – Is Fish Oil Good for You?

Supplements provide a concentrated, and often more convenient, dose of omega-3 for those who may not be able to sufficiently cover their needs through diet. With that said, it is always preferable to attain nutrition through food first and choose supplements only when additional support is required.

Don’t Miss: What Vitamins Are Good For Joints And Bones

Your Blood Pressure May Go Down

Omega-3 supplementation may help reduce blood pressure levels in people with hypertension.

“According to NIH research, omega-3 fatty acids work by directly activating large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels in the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure,” says Angela Marshall, MD, a board-certified internist and the CEO of Comprehensive Women’s Health.

Fish oil supplements with a moderate amount of DHA and EPA were found to lower blood pressure by 5 mmHg in people with systolic hypertension, per a March 2016 study in The Journal of Nutrition. Though it might not sound like a lot, that 5-point decrease could potentially lead to a 20 percent reduction in heart disease risk, according to the researchers.

For now, the majority of the research supports a well-balanced, low-sodium diet packed with fruits, vegetables, heart-healthy fats , lean proteins and whole grains over fish oil supplements for lowering blood pressure levels.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy

The omega-3 DHA helps make up the retina of your eye and the grey matter of the brain.

If you dont get enough it could cause some problems for your vision.11,12,13

It could help slow down the degeneration of the retina, including macular degeneration this is the most prevalent form of blindness in senior people.

Research suggests that while DHA cannot reverse damage of the retina, it may help to support healthy vision.14

Also Check: What Is A Toxic Level Of Vitamin D For Dogs

Why Are Omega 3 Fats Good For Health

There has been lots of research into Omega 3 fats and oily fish and how they can improve heart health.

In countries where people eat more oily fish, such as in the Mediterranean, Greenland and Japan, fewer people have heart disease compared to countries where people eat very little oily fish, such as the UK.

The Omega 3 fats EPA and DHA can help protect the heart and blood vessels from disease: They can help:

  • lower triglycerides
  • improve circulation
  • prevent blood clots
  • lower blood pressure
  • keep the rhythm of your heart steady.

In the past, higher levels of the Omega 3 fats EPA and DHA in the blood have also been linked with a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. There is still research on-going, but doctors think that the benefits come from eating foods that contain omega 3s rather than over-the-counter supplements. However some high-dose Omega 3 supplements may be prescribed by your doctor to treat hypertriglyceridaemia.

American Heart Association Guidelines

Fish Oil

The American Heart Association recently weighed in 4 on the question: Do fish oil pills work? Reviewing all randomized clinical trials that evaluated fish oils effects on cardiovascular disease, the AHA Science Advisory arrived at the following three conclusions:

1. Omega-3 fish oil supplements may be reasonable for patients who have had a heart attack.

2. Patients with heart failure may also benefit from supplementation with omega-3 fish oil.

3. However, there is a lack of evidence that omega-3 fish oil supplements prevent cardiovascular diseases in the general population.

Bottom Line: Most of us are better off eating modest amounts of whole foods rich in omega-3 fats than popping fish oil pills, states Dr. Tom Rifai, MD, FACP. Dr. Rifai is Regional Medical Director of Metabolic Health & Weight Management at Henry Ford Health System in Michigan and member of the Pritikin Scientific Advisory Board.

To determine if your daily omega-3 intake is sufficient, the Pritikin Program recommends the following:

Also Check: Which Vitamins To Take When Pregnant

Reduce Adhd Symptoms In Children

Did you know that 1 in 5 children worldwide have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause behavior issues like hyperactivity, excessive impulsivity and difficultly concentration / maintaining attention.

Although omega-3 is not in the NICE guidelines for ADHD treatment, there is an increasing amount of evidence that omega-3 may help those with ADHD.

Researchers at Kings College Londons Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience found that fish oil supplements can help with hyperactivity, inattention and other cognitive and behavioral patterns in children and adolescents with ADHD.26

Helps Reduce Joint Pain & Arthritis

Is fish oil good for joints? This question has been answered in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. A review of 42 clinical trials found that fish oil taken from marine sources led to major pain reduction. This effect was most pronounced up to 3 months after initial supplementation.

Fish oil supplements are excellent at reducing bodily inflammation, so there are benefits in using fish oil for arthritis and joint pain. One study found that patients experienced statistically significant clinical improvements in their arthritic symptoms. Patients reported greater mobility, improved grip strength, and reduced joint stiffness. This improvement was after 24 weeks of taking 3 grams of omega-3 every day.

You May Like: Which Vitamin Is Good For Immunity

How Much Omega 3 Should I Take

The current government recommendation for fish intake is two portions of fresh fish each week. Any more could potentially be dangerous, due to the toxins and pollutants that can be found in fresh fish. Fish oil supplements can be taken in higher doses because the oils undergo a distillation process, which ensures all toxins and pollutants are filtered out of the oil. Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial for both adults and children, although different dosages are recommended:

  • Children between 5 to 14 years take 500mg each day.
  • Adults under the age of 40 years – if you are under the age 40 years old and fit with no health problems then you may only need around 1000mg each day.
  • Adults over the age of 40 years if you are over 40 or have a higher risk of heart disease or arthritis then you will require a higher dose of 2000mg per day.
  • Cod liver oil should not be taken in doses above 2000mg due to its vitamin A content. Vitamin A can be toxic when taken in high doses.

Use the infographic above to learn about the key differences between so that you can decide which best suits your needs.

Can Fish Oil Make A Cat Sick

Fish Oil Benefits Explained by A Dietitian | You Versus Food | Well Good

Side effects, particularly at high doses, may include diarrhea, vomiting, delayed wound healing, sleepiness, a fishy odor to the breath or skin, increased itchiness, or an oily coat and skin flakes. Discontinuation of the supplement should resolve these side effects. In cats, changes in blood clotting can occur.

Also Check: What Vitamins Should A 60 Year Old Woman Take

Possibly Linked To Increase Prostate Cancer Risk

The verdict is still out, but it seems possible that the fatty acids in fish oil may affect the risk of prostate cancer.

A July 2013 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men with high blood concentrations of omega-3PUFA have an increased likelihood of developing the disease.

But some similar research, including a March 2017 review of 44 studies in Integrative Cancer Therapies, has found a possible link between higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid intake and lower mortality rates from prostate cancer.

In short: Further research is necessary to draw any firm conclusions.

Related Reading

American Journey Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Add your cats food with a boost of tasty flavor and nutrients with American Journey Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Formula. This nourishing oil is packed with a 51/49% blend of oils derived from wild-caught Alaskan salmon and pollock.

Every palatable drop of this premium, yet affordable fish oil is loaded with EPA, DHA, omega-6, and -9 fatty acids, as well as other important omega-3 fatty acids, which help support your cats skin and coat health, brain development, eye health, and overall wellness.

It also comes in two sizes and a convenient squeeze bottle with a drip-free cap to help control mess. So, you can easily add this nutrient-packed liquid gold to your cats favorite meal.

Recommended Reading: What Is Vitamin E Oil

Am I Destroying The Environment By Taking Fish Oil Supplements

Maybe? The way the pills are created contributes to the destruction of marine life balance, according to Mr. Greenberg, who explored this in his book. He explains that the reduction industry, which produces supplements and also feed for animals, including farmed fish, gobbles up 25 million metric tons of small fish a year to boil them down to oil and meal.

This leaves a hole in the food chain, where larger fish, marine mammals and seabirds are missing small fish, like the Peruvian anchoveta , to eat.

If you dont have those little fish in between the planktonic level of life and the higher levels of life, theres no way to translate the solar energy that hits the ocean from the planktonic level to higher life-forms, Mr. Greenberg said. The argument goes that if you left more of this little fish in the water, thered be a lot more big fish out there to eat, populate the ocean, and to make it a more abundant place.

To discourage this cycle, he suggests taking a supplement like a vegan, algae-based omega-3 that is sustainably sourced and doesnt involve the reduction industry.

Risks Side Effects And Drug Interactions

Omega 3 Fish Oil Gummies No Fish No Krill Burpless ...

Omega-3s from supplements usually produce only mild side effects, if any at all, when taken at recommended doses. While they are generally tolerated well, fish oil side effects can include:

  • belching
  • rash
  • nosebleeds

Taking a high-quality supplement may reduce the likelihood of any unwanted side effects. Its also a good idea to take fish oil pills with meals to reduce side effects.

Before taking this product, you should speak with your doctor if you currently take any medication or have any ongoing health concerns. You should also speak to your doctor if you have a known fish or shellfish allergy.

If you have a bleeding disorder, bruise easily or take blood-thinning medications, you should use these supplements with extra caution, since large doses of omega-3 fatty acids can increase bleeding risk. This bleeding risk also applies to people with no history of bleeding disorders or current medication usage.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you should only use supplements under your doctors supervision. Individuals with type 2 diabetes can experience increases in fasting blood sugar levels while taking fish oil supplements.

Avoiding Low-Quality Supplements:

Also, not all fish oils are created equal. Most fish oils are highly processed and can oxidize easily because omega-3 fats are polyunsaturated, have a low heat threshold and can easily go rancid.

Is Fish Oil for Dogs and Pets Safe?

Related: Omega-3 for Dogs: What Are the Benefits of Omega-3 for Dogs?

Read Also: How Much Is A Megadose Of Vitamin C

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular