Fish, Fish Oil, & Omega 3 Fatty Acids
"Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of -- or who have -- cardiovascular disease.
We recommend eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week. Fish is a good source of protein and doesn't have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Summary of Recommendations for Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake
| Population | Recommendation |
| Patients without documented coronary heart disease (CHD) | Eat a variety of (preferably fatty) fish at least twice a week. Include oils and foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid (flaxseed, canola and soybean oils; flaxseed and walnuts). |
| Patients with documented CHD | Consume about 1 g of EPA+DHA per day, preferably from fatty fish. EPA+DHA in capsule form could be considered in consultation with the physician. |
| Patients who need to lower triglycerides | 2 to 4 grams of EPA+DHA per day provided as capsules under a physician's care. |
Patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from capsules should do so only under a physician's care. High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.
The ways that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD risk are still being studied. However, research has shown that they
- decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
- decrease triglyceride levels
- decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
- lower blood pressure (slightly)"
Discussion: Are you taking fish oil supplements with omega 3 fatty acids? Are you taking the right dose? More importantly, is your doctor aware that you are taking this supplement and are you following the recommendations?
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