What Are Fish Oil Pills Good For, Do They Work, and Are They Good to Take Daily?

Fish oil supplements are a quick, convenient way to get the benefits of fish quickly. Fish oil pills may help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, treat rheumatoid arthritis and it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking them.

Fish oil is a well-known supplement. It’s been shown to have multiple positive effects on your health and daily bodily function. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends eating fish as part of a regular diet. One of the biggest health benefits fish can bring is a special fat called Omega-3. It’s been shown to improve multiple systems in your body, and it’s abundant in fish. 

Fish oil supplements are a quick, convenient way to get the benefits of fish quickly. 

Fish oil supplements are made by extracting oil from different types of fish. Tuna, cod, sardines, salmon, and other fish high in fat are normally chosen. 

The oil is extracted and then refined to become fit for consumption. Different techniques can be used for both processes, though, and that choice often lies with the manufacturer. 

There are different types of omega-3 fats. They can affect your health in different ways. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are two types of omega-3s fats that are found in fish and fish oil supplements. Fish oil also contains vitamins A and D. 

Alpha-linolenic acid (AHA) is another omega-3 acid that’s found in plant-based sources like walnuts, flaxseeds, and some oils. It’s a vegan source of omega-3 fats.  

Many claims are made about the effectiveness of fish oil supplements. It’s important to differentiate these claims from proven research when deciding if you should start taking a nutritional supplement. 

DHA improves your brain and eye health. There is more research being done on whether or not fish oil can play a role in the function of these vital systems, though. 

Consumption of seafood at least once a week has been linked to a lower chance of heart disease. Seafood low in mercury, though, has been recommended for optimum health in pregnant and breastfeeding people. 

Note that although the benefits of eating seafood are clear, results are sometimes inconclusive regarding fish oil supplements. Still, some studies show definite ways fish oil can benefit your health: 

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil is effective at reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Consuming DHAs and EPAs helps relieve stiffness and muscle discomfort caused by the disease. 

Decreased risk of coronary artery disease. Fish oil can reduce your risk of coronary artery disease by decreasing the number of triglycerides in your blood. This is best achieved by using high-quality, prescribed fish oil. Talk to your doctor about your options if you’re concerned about your heart health. 

Lower blood pressure. A recent study indicated that consuming approximately three grams of omega-3 fats every day can help you lower your blood pressure over the course of 10 weeks. 

Protection from inflammation. Your body makes certain substances to fight inflammation. The properties of fish oil can help you do just that by increasing the production of these materials. 

Improved insulin regulation. People whose bodies have high insulin sensitivity can manage their blood sugar more effectively. Fish oil might help people with metabolic disorders improve insulin sensitivity. 

Reduced risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats and plaque in the blood vessels. Increasing your intake of leafy greens and omega-3s can help to reduce your risk of encountering this serious condition.

Fish oil doesn’t only benefit people. It’s shown to prevent cancer in pets. They might also enjoy the taste more than you. 

There’s some evidence that certain drugs may interact negatively with fish oil. Anticoagulants (medication to prevent blood clots) are at the top of that list. 

Another possible interaction is with blood pressure medication. The substances in fish oil can reduce blood pressure, so it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider before adding the supplement to your diet. 

There may be a higher risk of prostate cancer in people with a high level of omega-3s in their blood. More research is needed to determine if there’s a direct link, though. 

Some other undesirable effects of taking fish oil might include: 

• Nausea 
• Worsening existing acne problems 
• Diarrhea 
• Excessive fishy-tasting burps 

Your body doesn’t produce its own omega-3 acids. DHAs, AHAs, and EPAs need to be consumed from another source, such as fish oil. 

The appropriate dosage of fish oil depends on the form you are taking it in. The FDA recommends the following dosages based on your age and the amount of fat in your blood. Always talk to your doctor, though, and get their recommendation before starting a fish oil supplement.

Adults over 18 years of age may take: 

• A dose of 2 grams twice a day with meals when in icosapent ethyl form
• A dose of 4 grams once per day when in omega-3-acid ethyl ester form
• Up to 4 grams per day when administered as omega-3-carboxylic acid form 

It’s not currently known how fish oil might affect people with seafood allergies. 

Most people who start taking a supplement want to improve their health. It’s best to talk to your doctor or a registered dietician, though, about what you’re trying to achieve by taking the supplement and if it’s necessary.