For example, an analysis published in JAMA Cardiology could not find a clear link between fish oil and lower heart disease risk. Some evidence suggests that an adequate intake of fish oil may help protect eye health. A review notes that fish oil may play a role in the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration AMD and dry eye disease. A study indicates that people who regularly consume fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish were less likely to develop AMD compared with those who did not.
However, some evidence suggests they have no effect. A study found no evidence to indicate that taking fish oil supplements was more helpful than taking a placebo for dry eye. Optometrists may recommend taking omega-3 supplements or increasing dietary fish consumption to benefit eye health, even though some scientific evidence suggests fish oils are not suitable for this purpose.
Before deciding to supplement their diets with fish oils, people should also consider the possible risks. While some research indicates that eating a diet rich in omega-3 may help prevent prostate cancer , other research suggests otherwise. A study notes that a high fish oil intake may actually increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. The National Institutes of Health NIH note that the link between omega-3 and different types of cancer, such as prostate, currently remains unclear.
Some people may experience mild side effects if they supplement with fish oil. These may include unpleasant taste, bad breath, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, and other digestive symptoms. While the first two are present in fish oil, ALA comes from plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. ALA is an essential fatty acid, meaning that the body cannot make it, and it must come from a dietary source. Although the body can convert small amounts of ALA into EPA and then to DHA, the most practical way to increase these omega-3 fatty acids is from food or a nutritional supplement.
ALA is the only omega-3 that is essential, so it is the only one with a recommended adequate intake. Research suggests that males should aim for roughly 1. It can be difficult to judge the intake from nutritional supplements, as the amounts of fish oil may vary. For example, 1, mg of fish oil from one brand of supplement may contain less or more EPA and DHA than the same amount of oil from another brand. Alternatively, people may benefit from a fish or vegetarian algae oil supplement to boost levels.
Some evidence suggests that taking a fish oil supplement with a meal that contains fat may help to increase absorption. Fish oil is rich in omega-3, which is an essential nutrient. Eating a diet containing oily fish, or taking a fish oil supplement, can ensure someone has an adequate amount. Consuming more fish oil and omega-3 may offer some health benefits for men. This may include increasing fertility and improving heart health. However, men should weigh up the benefits with a potential increased risk of prostate cancer.
Anyone who is considering taking supplements should first check with a healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe. Fish oils and omega-3 oils may be good for health, but where can we find them, and what can they do for us? To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.
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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. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide 7. Studies show that people who eat a lot of fish have much lower rates of heart disease 8 , 9 , Multiple risk factors for heart disease appear to be reduced by consumption of fish or fish oil.
The benefits of fish oil for heart health include:. Although fish oil supplements can improve many of the risk factors for heart disease, there is no clear evidence that it can prevent heart attacks or strokes However, there is no clear evidence that it can prevent heart attacks or strokes. Therefore, omega-3s are essential for normal brain function 27 , In fact, some studies suggest that people with certain mental disorders have lower omega-3 blood levels 29 , 30 , Interestingly, research suggests that fish oil supplements can prevent the onset or improve the symptoms of some mental disorders.
For example, it can reduce the chances of psychotic disorders in those who are at risk 32 , In addition, supplementing with fish oil in high doses may reduce some symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , This effect may be a result of increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index BMI greater than The numbers are even higher in high-income countries like the US Obesity can significantly increase your risk of other diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer 40 , 41 , Fish oil supplements may improve body composition and risk factors for heart disease in obese people 43 , 44 , Furthermore, some studies indicate that fish oil supplements, in combination with diet or exercise, can help you lose weight 43 , However, not all studies found the same effect 47 , Like your brain, your eyes rely on omega-3 fats.
Furthermore, eye health begins to decline in old age, which can lead to age-related macular degeneration AMD. Eating fish is linked to a reduced risk of AMD, but the results on fish oil supplements are less convincing 52 , One study found that consuming a high dose of fish oil for 19 weeks improved vision in all AMD patients. However, this was a very small study Two larger studies examined the combined effect of omega-3s and other nutrients on AMD. One study showed a positive effect, while the other exhibited no effect.
Therefore, the results are unclear 55 , However, chronic inflammation is associated with serious illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes, depression, and heart disease 57 , 58 , Reducing inflammation can help treat symptoms of these diseases.
Because fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it may help treat conditions involving chronic inflammation For example, in stressed and obese individuals, fish oil can reduce the production and gene expression of inflammatory molecules called cytokines 61 , Moreover, fish oil supplements can significantly reduce joint pain, stiffness, and medication needs in people with rheumatoid arthritis , which causes painful joints 63 , While inflammatory bowel disease IBD is also triggered by inflammation, there is no clear evidence to suggest whether fish oil improves its symptoms 65 , SUMMARY Fish oil has strong anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce symptoms of inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids
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