| Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for | | | | taken by prescription, as risk levels vary with |
| cardiovascular health and brain development. They | | | | every patient. |
| are commonly found in fish oils, which is why | | | | 3. Auto-immune disorders |
| most health experts recommend two to three | | | | Auto-immune disorders include psoriasis and |
| servings of oily fish per week. Fish oil nutritional | | | | rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3s block immune |
| supplements are also a popular alternative, | | | | responses to reduce the inflammation caused by |
| especially among students, working people, and | | | | such conditions. They are particularly effective at |
| others with limited time for home cooking. | | | | relieving swelling and joint pain in rheumatoid |
| There are two common forms of fish oil | | | | arthritis. Studies show that a dose of about three |
| nutritional supplements: cod liver oil and | | | | grams a day can help relieve the problem. |
| concentrate capsules. Cod liver oil is in liquid form | | | | Omega-3s also address coronary risk factors |
| and taken in daily doses of about one tablespoon. | | | | such as diabetes and hypertension, but there is no |
| Concentrate capsules are solid and taken one or | | | | proof yet that fish oil nutritional supplements have |
| two a day, depending on the patient's medical | | | | any significant effects. Experts suggest that such |
| condition. | | | | patients get their omega-3s from fatty fish |
| Fish oil nutritional supplements address several | | | | instead, unless their doctor prescribes |
| health problems. These include the following: | | | | supplements. |
| 1. Coronary artery disease | | | | You need to be looking for supplements that are |
| Coronary artery disease often leads to heart | | | | high in EPA and DHA, especially DHA. The best |
| attacks, and remains a major health risk even | | | | source for these fatty acids is a fish known as |
| when the patient survives. Omega-3 fatty acids | | | | the Hoki fish that can be found in the oceans of |
| help reduce this risk. It takes about 12 ounces of | | | | New Zealand. This fish is surrounded by waters |
| canned tuna to get one gram of omega-3, which | | | | with minimal pollution, and is known to have higher |
| can cause a shortage of other nutrients. Fish oil | | | | levels of the fatty acid DHA than any other fish |
| nutritional supplements provide an alternative | | | | known. |
| source of omega-3s, leaving room for a more | | | | REMINDER: The US Food and Drug Administration |
| balanced diet. | | | | does not impose strict quality standards on health |
| 2. High triglyceride levels | | | | supplements. This is why some products may |
| Triglycerides are harmful fats that increase the | | | | contain harmful extenders, such as starch, sugar, |
| risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that | | | | silica, and gluten. To stay safe, look for a fish oil |
| omega-3s effectively lower triglyceride levels in | | | | supplement that is GMP-compliant. This ensures |
| the blood. The American Health Association (AHA) | | | | that the product contains no such additives. Also, |
| recommends taking supplements of two to four | | | | make sure the product does not contain any |
| grams per day. However, they should only be | | | | artificial colors or flavorings. |