Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important for a variety of functions in the body. Some types of omega-3 are found in foods such as fatty fish and shellfish. Another type is found in some vegetable oils. Omega-3 is also available as a dietary supplement.
Key Facts
There is a lot of research into omega-3 supplements, especially those found in seafood and fish oil and heart disease. The findings in individual studies have been inconsistent. In 2012, two combined analyzes of the results of these studies found no convincing evidence that these omega-3s protect against heart disease.
There is some evidence that omega-3 is found in rheumatoid arthritis. For most other conditions that omega-3 has been studied, no conclusions can be reached, or studies have not shown that omega-3 is beneficial.
Omega-3 supplements can affect drugs that affect blood clots.
It is unclear whether people with fish or shellfish allergies can safely consume fish oil supplements.
Fish liver oils (which are not the same as fish oils) contain vitamins A and D as well as omega-3 fatty acids; These vitamins can be toxic in high doses.
Tell all health professionals about any complementary health practices you use. Give it a complete picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and secure care.
About Omega-3 fatty acids
The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The main sources of ALA in the United States diet are vegetable oils, especially canola and soybean oils; Flaxseed oil is richer in ALA than soybean and rapeseed oils, but is not commonly consumed.
ALA can be converted, usually in small amounts, to EPA and DHA in the body. EPA and DHA are found in seafood, including fatty fish (eg salmon, tuna and trout) and shellfish (eg crab, mussels and oysters).
Commonly used supplements containing omega-3 are fish oil (which provides EPA and DHA) and flaxseed oil (which provides ALA). Algal oils are a vegetarian source of DHA.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for a variety of body functions, including muscle activity, blood clotting, digestion, fertility and cell division and growth. DHA is important for brain development and function. ALA is an “essential” fatty acid, which means that people get it from food or supplements because the human body cannot produce it.
Safety
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements usually do not have negative side effects. The symptoms of gastrointestinal symptoms such as itching, indigestion or diarrhea.
It is unclear whether people with fish or shellfish allergies can safely consume fish oil supplements.
Omega-3 supplements can extend bleeding time (the time it takes for a cut to stop bleeding). People taking drugs that affect bleeding time, such as anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), should discuss the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements with health professionals.
Fish liver oils, like cod liver oil, are not the same as fish oil. Fish liver oils contain vitamins A and D as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Both of these vitamins can be toxic in large doses. The amount of vitamins in liver oil supplements varies from one product to another.
There is conflicting evidence of whether omega-3 fatty acids are found in seafood and fish oil. Further studies on the composition of omega-3 consumption and prostate cancer risk are ongoing.
