Fish Oil for Heart Disease Prevention
The AHA does not recommend
fish oil supplements for people who do not have a diagnosis of
heart disease or
high triglycerides. Instead, the AHA recommends that people eat a variety of fish at least twice a week. Oily fish (such as salmon or trout) are preferred over non-oily fish (such as cod or halibut), as non-oily fish are low in
omega-3 fatty acids. If you do not like fish and want to try a fish oil supplement, it is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider first.
Fish Oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis
In studies, various fish oil dosages have been used to treat
rheumatoid arthritis. One possible dose is 3.8 grams of EPA and 2 grams of
DHA daily. However, it is not known if this is the most effective or safest amount for this use.
General Dosing Information for Fish Oil
Considerations for people taking fish oil include the following:
- Because the manufacturing of supplements is not closely regulated, it is important to choose a trustworthy manufacturer of fish oil supplements. It is a good idea to look for the "USP" symbol, as this means that the supplement has been tested and contains the right ingredients in the right amounts.
- Some fish (and therefore some fish oil supplements) contain heavy metals and other toxins. Often, fish oil supplements are purified in order to remove these toxins. Make sure to choose a supplement from a reputable manufacturer. Your pharmacist can help you choose a reliable supplement.
- Some people find that storing their supplements in the freezer helps prevent some of the bothersome fish oil side effects (such as a fishy aftertaste). This may also prevent the supplements from becoming rancid.
- If you have any chronic health problems or take any prescription medications, it is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before taking fish oil.
- If you are unsure about anything related to dosing for fish oil, please talk with your healthcare provider.
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