Do Fish Oil Supplements Help Support Heart and Joint Health?

SadaNews - Fish oil supplements are popular dietary supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Many people take them in hopes of protecting their hearts or relieving joint pain.

However, while some studies indicate benefits, other studies show minimal effects, according to VeryWell Health.

Does fish oil help with heart health?

Omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation. For these reasons, much research has focused on taking fish oil supplements for heart health.

Some research has shown a slight to moderate decrease in the risk of certain cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and death. One analysis found that reduced risk was particularly observed in formulations containing only EPA compared to combined EPA and DHA supplements.

But not all studies show clear benefits from fish oil supplements. In many trials involving generally healthy adults, fish oil supplements did not significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Some research also suggests that high doses may slightly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm disorder.

Most experts recommend obtaining omega-3 fatty acids from the diet rather than supplements for routine heart disease prevention. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fatty fish per week along with other foods beneficial for heart health.

Does fish oil relieve joint pain?

Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation in the body, a key factor in joint diseases such as arthritis. This includes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation and pain, as well as osteoarthritis (OA).

Research has shown that fish oil supplements may help; reduce disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis, improve morning joint stiffness, tenderness, and general pain, as well as improve pain and joint function in individuals with osteoarthritis.

For many people, fish oil supplements may provide mild symptom relief, but they are unlikely to be a substitute for standard arthritis treatments.

Are fish oil supplements safe?

Fish oil supplements are generally safe for most people when taken in recommended amounts, which is often around 1000 milligrams per day. A 1000 mg fish oil capsule contains about 300 mg of EPA/DHA.

However, they can cause side effects in some cases; such as a fishy aftertaste or burping, stomach upset, nausea or abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea.

Talk to your doctor before starting to take fish oil supplements if you are on medications like blood thinners such as warfarin or Eliquis (apixaban), especially if you have heart disease or other medical conditions.

Obtaining omega-3 from food versus supplements

Many health organizations recommend obtaining omega-3 (and nearly all vitamins and minerals) from food rather than supplements whenever possible. Eating fatty fish as part of your diet not only provides EPA and DHA but also offers protein, vitamin D, selenium, and other beneficial nutrients.

Fatty fish rich in omega-3 include salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, and herring.