Fish oil supplements are manufactured from the liver and skin of cold water fish, particularly salmon, trout, bluefish, mackerel, sardines, and herring. Research shows that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils can have significant health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides and have be used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Dosage of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
DHA and EPA are the two most important omega-3 fatty acids that play a role in human health. Fish oils are sold in capsule form and vary in their amount of DHA and EPA. Common dosages of omega-3’s in fish oils are .18 grams of EPA and .12 grams of DHA. It is recommended that individuals limit omega-3 fatty acid intake to 3 grams a day unless under the direction of a physician.
Possible Side Effects
Fish oil supplements are noted to be safe in amounts under 3 grams a day. Common symptoms of taking fish oils supplements may include gas, belching, bloating, heartburn, rash, bruising, nausea and vomiting. Some studies show evidence of decreased immunity and can be of considerable concern for patients with a compromised immune system, particularly transplant patients and those suffering from cancer or HIV/AIDS. Fish oils also contain heavy metals and pesticides, therefore it is important to buy from a reputable distributor to avoid contaminants.
Medication and Other Interactions
High doses of fish oils should be used with caution for individuals taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin and aspirin due to the risk of excess bleeding. Studies show that fish oils can increase bleeding even in individuals with no prior history. Fish oils supplements can increase blood sugar in diabetics and increase the required dosage of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents. Excess dosages can also cause a drop in blood pressure for those taking antihypertensive medications.
- Diane Tomkin, M.P.A., M.A., R.D., C.D.N.
Dosage of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
DHA and EPA are the two most important omega-3 fatty acids that play a role in human health. Fish oils are sold in capsule form and vary in their amount of DHA and EPA. Common dosages of omega-3’s in fish oils are .18 grams of EPA and .12 grams of DHA. It is recommended that individuals limit omega-3 fatty acid intake to 3 grams a day unless under the direction of a physician.
Possible Side Effects
Fish oil supplements are noted to be safe in amounts under 3 grams a day. Common symptoms of taking fish oils supplements may include gas, belching, bloating, heartburn, rash, bruising, nausea and vomiting. Some studies show evidence of decreased immunity and can be of considerable concern for patients with a compromised immune system, particularly transplant patients and those suffering from cancer or HIV/AIDS. Fish oils also contain heavy metals and pesticides, therefore it is important to buy from a reputable distributor to avoid contaminants.
Medication and Other Interactions
High doses of fish oils should be used with caution for individuals taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin and aspirin due to the risk of excess bleeding. Studies show that fish oils can increase bleeding even in individuals with no prior history. Fish oils supplements can increase blood sugar in diabetics and increase the required dosage of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents. Excess dosages can also cause a drop in blood pressure for those taking antihypertensive medications.
- Diane Tomkin, M.P.A., M.A., R.D., C.D.N.