What will fish oil help

The body cannot produce omega-3 on its own, however, so people need to obtain it from dietary sources. Scientists have linked omega-3 to a number of health conditions. However, it is not always clear whether or not taking additional omega-3 can offer benefits. The following sections outline some of these conditions and some other health benefits that omega-3 may provide.

In , survey data suggested that females who take probiotics, vitamin D, fish oil supplements, or a combination of these may have a slightly lower risk of developing COVID However, this investigation has not yet undergone peer review, and the findings are far from conclusive.

In fact, experts have warned against using supplements in an attempt to prevent infection with the virus. For more information on the COVID outbreak and advice on prevention and treatment, see our live updates page and visit our coronavirus hub. Some people with multiple sclerosis MS take omega-3 because it may have protective effects on the brain and the nervous system. However, at least one study has concluded that omega-3 supplements do not reduce disease activity with MS.

Some research has suggested that eating a diet rich in omega-3 may help prevent prostate cancer. However, a study suggested that a high fish oil intake may actually increase the risk of high grade prostate cancer. The precise link between omega-3 and different types of cancer remains unclear , but a number of studies have found no evidence to suggest that omega-3 either increases or reduces the risk of various types of cancer.

People with low levels of omega-3 during pregnancy and while breastfeeding may be more susceptible to postpartum depression. The authors of a review concluded that taking fish oil supplements around this time may help reduce the risk of depression.

However, people should avoid eating fish that may be high in mercury, such as shark and king mackerel, during pregnancy. Some good alternative choices include canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. In addition to postpartum depression, some studies suggest that EPA and DHA could help treat various neuropsychiatric conditions.

These include:. Some studies have suggested that omega-3 supplementation may help prevent cognitive decline, especially in older adults. However, their results are not conclusive, according to one review. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils may help prevent heart disease and stroke , according to the AHA.

Specifically, omega-3 may help manage :. A study found that people who took fish oil supplements for longer than 1 month had better cardiovascular function during mentally stressful tests.

In , 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. In a study , mice that received omega-3 supplements for 6 months appeared to have better retinal function and a lower risk of age-related vision loss than mice that did not receive the supplements. Optometrists often recommend taking omega-3 supplements to support eye health, even though scientific evidence does not always support their use for this purpose.

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See more conditions. Fish oil. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Fish oil. Natural Medicines. Accessed Nov. Omega-3 supplements: In depth. According to the Arthritis Foundation, fish oil can also be used for:. 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. Research has shown that fish oil, which is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA , may be useful in the treatment of depression. Epidemiological studies suggest that either a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids or an imbalance in the ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to increased rates of depression.

Further, a handful of small, well-designed studies support the use of fish oil as an addition to antidepressant therapy. Although more research is needed to determine effectiveness, fish oil has also been studied in the treatment of the following psychiatric disorders:. The side effects of fish oil most often occur when people take the supplement in high doses more than 3 grams per day.

In other words, the more you take, the more you're likely to experience side effects, which is why it's important to consult with your healthcare provider prior to taking a fish oil supplement. The most common side effects include:. High doses of omega-3 fats, found in fish oil supplements, can slow blood clotting and increase your risk of bleeding or bruising if you already taking an anticoagulant "blood thinner" like Coumadin warfarin or Plavix clopidogrel.

It can also reduce the body's immune system, or ability to fend off infection. Fish oil should be taken in whole-from capsules, with food and water, and not broken and sprinkled into food or liquids. The Food and Drug Administration recommends consuming no more than 3 grams 3,mg per day of EPA and DHA combined, including up to 2 grams 2,mg per day from dietary supplements. Higher doses are often used to lower triglycerides, but you should only do so under the guidance of your healthcare professional.

High doses of fish oil can cause bleeding problems, especially if you are taking Coumadin warfarin or other anticoagulant medications, as well as problems with immune function. Although fish oil is readily available at health foods and pharmacies, it is important to speak to your doctor before starting to take them. When purchasing a fish oil supplement, the best way to tell if a product is reputable is to read the label.

Avoid any products that claim to "cure depression" or "reduce the risk of heart disease. According to the Food and Drug Administration FDA , it's illegal "to market a dietary supplement product as a treatment or cure for a specific disease, or to alleviate the symptoms of a disease.

Look closely for added ingredients like fillers, binders, and flavorings. The fish oil supplement should also contain a seal of approval from a third-party testing organization to demonstrate purity levels, notes the NIH. The big three include U. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab. While this seal of approval does not guarantee that the fish oil is safe or that it will work, it does guarantee that there aren't harmful levels of contaminants and that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label.

Another way to tell high-quality fish oil is by its smell and taste. Fish oil should not smell or taste "fishy. A strong smell may also be a sign that artificial flavors were added to the product. Of course, the best source of omega-3 fatty acids come from fish, especially wild fish that eat a lot of omegarich algae. Smaller cold-water fish, such as herring, mackerel, salmon, and sardines, are your best choices. Larger fish and farmed fish may accumulate toxins in their tissues.