Fish Oil
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Fish Oil can be obtained either by eating fish or by taking supplements. The oils contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have the nutrients EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid.[1] Omega-3s are essential fatty acids. The body needs them to be healthy, but does not produce them in its own.[2] Fish oil can be purchased as an over the counter supplement, or by prescription as a highly purified and concentrated form called Lovaza, which treats high triglycerides.[3] Most often, fish oil is used for conditions related to the heart and blood system.[1] Scientific evidence suggests that fish oil can lower blood pressure, lower high triglycerides, and help prevent heart disease and strokes.[4]
 Fish Oil | |
| Active Ingredient | Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) |
|---|---|
| Brand Names | Nature Made, Nature's Bounty, Finest Natural, Walgreens, Natrol, Schiff, others[5] |
| Prescription version available? | Lovaza.[3] |
| Uses | Lower cholesterol and help prevent heart attack and stroke, among other uses[1] |
| Common side effects | Burping, heartburn, breath issues, upset stomach, nosebleeds[1] |
| Major side effects | Increased bleeding, decreased immune capacity[1] |
| Warnings | Taking high doses of fish oil is potentially unsafe. |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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About Fish Oil
Fish oil capsules contain healthy compounds called omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oils from certain types of fish, krill, flax seed, vegetables, and other plant sources. These fatty acids are not made by the body and must be consumed in the diet. Fish oil may be used together with diet and exercise to help lower triglyceride levels in the blood. [6] [4] In addition to lowering blood pressure, lowering risk of heart attack and stroke, fish oil is also used to treat diabetes, depression, age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as painful periods and breast pain in women.[7]
About Fish Oil
Fish Oil Side Effects
Fish oil can cause side effects like unsavory breath, burping, heartburn, changes in stool, nosebleeds and rashy skin. Serious side effects of fish oil typically occur when the dosage exceeds recommended levels. These more serious adverse reactions can include poor blood clotting, increased bleeding, and repression of the immune system. This may be most serious among patients who are taking immune suppressors to treat illnesses, as well as elderly individuals.
In addition, there is a chance that the oil has been derived from fish contaminated with toxic minerals such as mercury. This is most common with farm-raised salmon (not wold-caught), king mackerel and sharks.[1]
Benefits of Fish Oil
Fish oil is taken for a wide range of health benefits. Some are backed by substantial medical research, while other benefits have not been proven and require more study before a conclusion may be drawn. Fish oil has been conclusively shown to reduce triglycerides by 20-50%. High levels of triglycerides are linked to heart disease as well as diabetes.
There is also evidence to suggest that fish oil is probably effective in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
There is a possibility that fish oil may also be effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing or treating such illnesses as rheumatoid arthritis, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among youth, and stroke.[6]
Salmon is one one of the richest sources of Omega-3s. Others include mackerel, tuna, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy, sardines, herring, and trout.
Also See: Fish Oil Side Effects,Fish Oil Coupons, Biotin Coupons, Creatine Coupons, Saw Palmetto Coupons, Zantac Coupons, Prevacid Coupons, Nature Made Coupons, Chondroitin Side Effects, Vitamin B12 Coupons, Vitamin C Coupons, Calcium Coupons
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/993.html
- ↑ http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.lovaza.com/
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/flaxseed-oil-000304.htm
- ↑ http://www.walgreens.com/search/results.jsp?Ntt=fish+oil&x=164&y=112
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1172-KRILL%20OIL.aspx?activeIngredientId=1172&activeIngredientName=KRILL%20OIL
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/993.html
