Fish Oil Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions

Fish Oil Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions Depression Treatment Print The Health Benefits of Fish Oil Fish oil may ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and depression By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD on February 13, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Carly Snyder, MD on February 13, 2020 Moyo Studio / Getty Images More in Depression Treatment Medication Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Types Childhood Depression Suicide In This Article Table of Contents Expand Health Benefits Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation What to Look For View All Back To Top If you’re looking to get more omega-3s in your diet and you’re not a fan of eating fish, you wouldn’t be the first to consider a more convenient option: a fish oil supplement. According to figures from the National Institutes of Health, roughly 80%â€"or about 19 million Americansâ€"take some kind of over-the-counter (OTC) fish oil supplement.?? In addition to being more convenient, studies indicate that fish oil supplements are much less likely than fish to contain contaminants, due to the purification that occurs during the manufacturing process. Fish oil sold over-the-counter contains EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3s found in fish. Over-the-counter fish oil supplements are different than those prescribed for people with very high triglycerides, including Lovaza (omega-3 ethyl esters),  Vascepa (icosapent ethyl), and Epanova (omega-3-carboxylic acids). Health Benefits Research suggests that fish oil may offer the following benefits. Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Fish oil has been found to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 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 osteoarthritisLupusPsoriasisRaynaud’s syndrome Use of Omega-3s for Rheumatoid Arthritis Heart Health Although fish oil can’t prevent a heart attack or stroke, it is study-proven to reduce some of the risk factors associated with both of these conditions, including: Increasing “good” HDL cholesterolLowering triglyceridesSlightly lowering blood pressureSlowing the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)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.   Can Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Lower Cholesterol? Mental Health 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: Alzheimers diseaseAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Bipolar disorderPremenstrual syndrome (PMS)Psychosis Possible Side Effects 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 youre likely to experience side effects, which is why its important to consult with your healthcare provider prior to taking a fish oil supplement. The most common side effects include: NauseaDiarrheaHeartburnAbdominal painBelching a fish-like aftertaste (fish burbs) 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 bodys immune system, or ability to fend off infection. Dosage and Preparation How much fish oil you take will depend on your age, sex, and specific health condition, so it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before taking these supplements. 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 (3,000mg) per day of EPA and DHA combined, including up to 2 grams (2,000mg) 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. It’s not yet known whether people who are allergic to seafood can safely take fish oil, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. What to Look For 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), its 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.S. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab.com, and NSF International. While this seal of approval does not guarantee that the fish oil is safe or that it will work, it does guarantee that there arent 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. If it does, this indicates that the fish oil is starting to degrade and is becoming rancid. 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 omega-3-rich 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.  Mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and pesticide residues are the toxins of greatest concern.  At this time, however, the benefits of consuming fish outweigh the risks for most people. Other good dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include the following: Nuts and seeds (flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts)Plant oils (flaxseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil)Fortified foods (eggs, milk, cereals, and orange juice) Should You Take Vitamins for Depression?