Fish Oil


Fish oil is a popular dietary supplement because it contains high concentrations Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart. Fish oil is extracted from the fatty tissue of coldwater fish such as salmon and tuna because they contain more Omega-3 than tissue from warm water fish. Coldwater fish have a diet that is higher in plankton, the source of Omega-3. It has been discovered that the colder the water, the higher the level of Omega-3 in the plankton.

Effects of Fish Oil

A study of Eskimos in Greenland found that despite their high-fat diets, their instance of heart disease was relatively low. It was discovered that the reason for this was a diet rich in coldwater fish. Further research showed that the Omega-3 from the fish reduced blood clotting and therefore the risk of heart attack. For this same reason, however, people who are susceptible to bleeding should avoid fish oil. In the most extreme instances, hemorrhagic stroke can occur.

Another benefit of Omega-3 in fish oils is that it can reduce triglycerides, or dissolved fat, in the blood. It can also increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). It is important to note, however, that Omega-3 can also increase levels of LDL cholesterol, which is the more harmful form of cholesterol. Since many people with high triglycerides also have high LDL cholesterol, caution must be exercised before using fish oils to treat high triglycerides. Blood tests for HDL, LDL, and triglycerides will be useful in determining whether fish oil is an appropriate supplement.

Omega-3 has also been known to lower immune system response in inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Studies confirm these results, and the Arthritis Foundation recommends 3 grams of fish oil per day to reduce the symptoms of these diseases.

Alternative to Fish Oil

Fish oil differs from cod liver oil in that the fish oil is taken from the entire fatty tissue area of a fish. Cod liver oil, as the name implies, is extracted only from the liver. Cod liver oil is known to be high in vitamins A and D. Generally speaking, consistent exposure to natural sunlight will provide enough vitamin D, so cod liver oil is recommended only if a person does not receive enough sunlight.

An alternative to fish oil supplements is fresh fish. Fresh fish in the diet can be beneficial because it may contain other healthy nutrients. It can also be used as a substitute to other forms of meat, which can potentially have high saturated fat content and thus negatively affect the heart.

By Doug Vanisky           


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