Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements for High Blood Pressure

In the past 10 years, many Americans have turned to omega-3 fish oil supplements. These supplements help boost the body's supply of marine omega-3 fatty acids. Dietary fish and fish oil supplements have many benefits for healthy people and also those with cardiovascular disease.
Omega-3 fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).Omega-3 fatty acids are very important in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.

How much omega-3 fish oil is safe?

Taking no more than 3 grams of fish oil daily is classified by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) -- with no more than 2 grams per day from supplements.

Are there side effects with omega-3 fish oil?

Side effects from omega-3 fish oil may include:

• a fishy taste in your mouth
• fishy breath
• stomach upset
• loose stools
• nausea

Taking more than 3 grams of fish oil daily may increase the risk of bleeding. Higher doses of fish oil may also compromise your immune function.
If you want to take higher doses of omega-3 fish oil supplements, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can guide you in supplementing your diet with omega-3 fish oil. Also, your doctor can monitor all aspects of your health if you take higher doses of fish oil. Prescription supplements are also available.

Are there recommendations for taking omega-3 fish oil?

Here's what the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests:

• Eat a variety of fish (preferably fatty fish) at least twice a week. Dietary fatty fish includes tuna, mackerel, salmon, and herring.
• If you have heart disease, take 1 gram of omega-3 fish oil daily. This can be from dietary fish or supplements.
• If you have high triglycerides, take 2 to 4 grams of omega-3 fish oil a day (in consultation with your doctor.)

While omega-3 fish oil can help reduce high blood pressure, triglycerides, and sudden cardiac death, there are other important uses for omega-3 fish oil. For instance, adding omega-3 fatty acids to infant formula has shown great benefit in infant neural growth and development.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCES:
National Medicines Comprehensive Database: "Fish Oil."
American Heart Association: "Fish and Omega 3 Fatty Acids."
Geleijnse J.M. J Hypertens, 2002; vol 20: p 1493.
Oh R. The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice, 2005; vol 18: pp 28-36.

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