Fish oil supplements are an alternative method for getting the benefits of fish oils normally achieved by eating fish. Mackerel, salmon, tuna mullet, anchovy, sturgeon, trout, herring, sardines and menhaden are among the fish that function as sources of fish oil. With these fish one can expect the benefits of an estimated one gram of omega-3 fatty acids for about three and a half ounces of fish.
Sources of Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements are usually made from mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon, cod liver, whale blubber, or seal blubber. To prevent spoilage fish oil supplements often contain small amounts of vitamin E. They might also be combined with calcium, iron, or vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, or D.
Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oils supplements are able to treat many conditions. They are typically used to treat heart and blood systems. Fish oil may also prove beneficial in preventing heart disease or stroke, although it should be noted that excessive fish oil intake can increase the risk for stroke. Additionally blood pressure or triglyceride levels may be lowered by fish oil supplements.
The reputation that fish has for being brain food is hinged on the fact that many people consume fish to help with conditions affecting brain function such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and psychosis.
Additionally fish oil supplements may be used for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eyes.
Fish oil supplements may help in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis. It may be used alone or combined with the drug naproxen (Naprosyn) to help people who have rheumatoid arthritis overcome morning stiffness with more speed. Sometimes fish oils might reduce the need for pain medications.
Fish oil supplements may also help persons who suffer from abnormal sensitivity to cold (Raynaud’s syndrome). It has been recently discovered that taking fish oils supplements may lead to enhanced cold resistance in people with the usual strain of this condition.
Weak bones or osteoporosis may be treated with fish oil supplements. This is so since whether taken alone or combined with calcium and evening primrose oil, fish oil is reputed to reduce the rate of bone loss.
Fish Oils Supplements and Women
Fish oils supplements are used by women to aid in treating menstrual pain. The supplements may also help to prevent certain complications during pregnancy. These complications include; miscarriage, preterm labor and premature delivery
Concerns about Fish Oil Supplements
For the most part, fish oil supplements are safe for all, even for breast feeding or pregnant women as long as the daily recommended dosage of 3 grams or less per day is adhered to.
It should be noted however that fish oil can cause adverse reactions. These include; loose stools, rash, nosebleeds, bad breath, heartburn, belching and nausea. In order to reduce the severity of these side effects individuals may freeze the supplements or take them with meals.
