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Fish oil may be extracted directly or concentrated and put in capsule form. Active ingredients are omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]). Western diets typically are low in omega-3 fatty acids.
Medicinal Claims:
Fish oil is used for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (see Atherosclerosis). Strong scientific evidence suggests that EPA/DHA reduces the risk of heart attack and death caused by abnormal heart rhythms in people who have coronary artery disease and are taking traditional drugs. EPA/DHA also reduces triglycerides and slightly lowers blood pressure. Fish oil aids in the prevention of toxicity to the kidneys caused by the drug cyclosporine . Fish oil supplements also are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis; however, scientific evidence supporting any benefit is inconclusive. Infants require an adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids to help brain development. Thus, breastfeeding mothers must ingest sufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
Possible Side
Effects:
Fishy-tasting belching, acne exacerbation, nausea, and diarrhea may occur. A few studies suggest that too much fish oil can cause bleeding, but others do not show a relationship. Although some fish contain excess amounts of mercury, laboratory testing does not consistently show excess mercury in fish oil supplements. Even so, based on documented side effects, pregnant or lactating women should not take omega-3 fatty acid supplements extracted from fish and should limit eating certain types and amounts of fish because of the potential risk of mercury contamination.
Last full review/revision February 2009 by Ara DerMarderosian, PhD
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