From the Guidelines
Fish oil is primarily used to reduce triglyceride levels and prevent cardiovascular events in patients with elevated triglycerides and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus with multiple risk factors, as evidenced by the 2021 ACC expert consensus decision pathway 1. The use of fish oil, particularly prescription omega-3 fatty acid preparations, has been shown to lower very high triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization. Key benefits of fish oil include:
- Reducing triglyceride levels
- Lowering blood pressure
- Decreasing inflammation
- Reducing the risk of heart disease The most effective dose of fish oil for reducing triglyceride levels and preventing cardiovascular events is 2,000-4,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily, as demonstrated in the REDUCE-IT trial 1. It is essential to note that nonprescription fish oil products are not interchangeable with prescription omega-3 products, and their content and quality can vary significantly 1. When taking fish oil, it is recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase to minimize potential side effects, such as fishy breath, digestive discomfort, or acid reflux. Prescription omega-3 fatty acid preparations, including mixtures of EPA and DHA and purified EPA, have been shown to be effective in reducing triglyceride levels and preventing cardiovascular events, with a typical dose of 1,000-4,000 mg daily 1.
From the Research
Uses of Fish Oil
- Fish oil is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac arrhythmias 2, 3, 4, 5
- It is also used to improve the prognosis of patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, and heart failure 2, 3
- Fish oil supplements have been shown to lower triglyceride levels, reduce inflammation, inhibit platelet aggregation, and lower blood pressure, all of which can help reduce cardiovascular risk 4, 5
- Additionally, fish oil has been used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, by reducing inflammation and promoting an anti-inflammatory state 6
Benefits of Fish Oil
- The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects 2, 3, 4, 5
- Fish oil has been shown to stabilize cell membranes, suppress cardiac arrhythmias, and reduce blood pressure 5
- The n-3 index, which measures the levels of EPA and DHA in the blood, may be a potential risk marker for coronary heart disease mortality 5
Potential Therapeutic Applications
- Fish oil supplements may be useful in the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease 5
- They may also be used to treat patients with established cardiovascular disease or at risk of developing it 3
- Additionally, fish oil has been shown to ameliorate disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, making it a potential therapeutic option for this condition 6