Omega-3

What is it? 

Omega-3 is fish oil that we can obtain from eating fish like salmon, sturgeon, mackerel, tuna, anchovy, sardines, mullet, herring, trout, bluefish, and menhaden. There is about 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids per 3.5 ounces of fish. We can also obtain extra omega-3 from supplements which are made from herring, tuna, mackerel, salmon, cod liver, halibut, whale blubber, or seal blubber. Two most important omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Our body does not produce any omega-3.

Benefits

There are research conducted to prove that omega-3 helps reduce triglycerides (bad cholesterol), prevent heart disease and artherosclerosis, prevent age related macular degeneration ( an eye condition), prevent re-blockage of arteries post heart attack, prevent miscarriages in patients with anti-phospholipid syndrome, improves psychiatric disorders (e.g. bipolar disease, ADHD and psychosis), improves menstrual pain, improves blood pressure, improves IGA nephropathy , helps in osteoporosis and improves autoimmune diseases like raynaud's phenomenon and rheumatoid arthritis.

Possible side effects 

At normal dosing of 3 grams anad below it is safe for most people including pregnant and lactating women. Anything more than the recommended dose is unsafe as it may reduce a person's immunity and increase the risk of possible of side effects.

Possible side effects that some people may experience include bad breath, belching, heartburn, rash if allergy, nausea, nosebleed and diarrhea. Do not take more than the recommended dosing.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Contraceptive pills may reduce effectiveness of fish oil.

Weight loss medications like xenical or Alli reduce absorption of fats which also will reduce absorption of fish oil as a result.

Anti-hypertension medications: As fish oil also reduce blood pressure , if combined with anti-hypertension medications the patient's blood pressure will drop further. Close monitoring of blood pressure is required.

Anti-coagulants/anti-platelet medications: fish oil will reduce blood clotting hence when taken with medications that slow clotting there may be minimal increased risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosage 

Please follow the instructions on product label and if in doubt consult your doctor first. Do not take overdose.