Fish oil is a dietary supplement derived from the tissues of oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring and anchovies. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential nutrients with numerous health benefits.

History of Fish Oil Use

Fish oil has been recognized for its health benefits for centuries. Ancient cultures would drain fish and use the oil in soups and drinks to gain the health benefits that fish oil can offer. In the modern era, many people choose to take fish oil in the form of dietary supplements. Supplements offer a concentrated way to ingest a high amount of fish oil on a daily basis.

Omega Oils in Fish Oil

Fish Oil is very rich in Omega Oils, also known as Omega-3 Fatty Acids. The fish do not actually produce these oils. They simply accumulate them by eating microalgae, along with eating smaller fish who have also accumulated omega oils themselves by eating microalgae.

This effect explains why the higher a fish is up the food chain, the more omega oils it tends to contain, but fish also accumulate toxins such as heavy metals by the same process of feeding on smaller fish which have a build up of these metals themselves. This is why it is recommended to limit oily fish intake even though omega oils can offer health benefits.

Minerals from Microalgae

The Microalgae that fish consume also provide minerals such as Iodine and Selenium, which act as antioxidants to help stabilise the omega oils and hence keep them available for us to ingest in the form of fish oil.

Preventing Heart Disease with Fish Oil

Most people take fish oil for the heart benefits it can offer. One of the most important heart benefits is preventing the onset of heart disease[1]. Fish oil can help to reduce cholesterol levels, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Fish oil can also be effective for patients who already suffer from heart disease symptoms. Patients struggling with heart disease can safely take fish oil with their heart medicine.

Fish Oil for other Heart Problems

Other heart problems can be prevented and treated with fish oil. Studies have shown that people who take fish oil tend to have a reduced risk of heart failure [2] .Fish oil helps to reduce the risk of heart failure because it helps patients reduce their bad cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to hardened arteries, which fish oil can help to treat and prevent [3].

Fish oil can even be used to help patients who have received a heart transplant. Doctors usually recommend that most people take fish oil supplements to receive these heart health benefits.

Fish Oil for Children

The health benefits of fish oil can help people improve their physical well-being at any age. Children struggling with nutrition-associated liver disease can take fish oil supplements as a solution to their problem. Liver disease can cause children to have difficulties with constipation that can affect their digestive system [4].

Studies have also shown that fish oil can help developing children who are experiencing problems with their motor skills, especially those with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Mothers can even take fish oil supplements before their baby is born to reduce the risk of a miscarriage [5]. Fish oil supplements can be beneficial for people of all ages.

Fish Oil to Improve Mental Focus in Children with ADHD

One of the most common developmental problems in today’s world is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many doctors recommend that parents give their children stimulants, but studies have shown that these drugs can be harmful in the long run.

Fish oil can be an effective stimulant substitute to help children increase their mental focus and decrease hyperactivity. Studies have verified that fish oil supplements can help people of all ages reduce problems with concentration [6]. Children and adults who take fish oil, therefore, can expect to feel more focused throughout the day.

Here’s how Fish oil can help with ADHD:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These fatty acids are crucial for brain health and function. Research suggests that individuals with ADHD may have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies compared to those without ADHD. Supplementing with fish oil can help increase omega-3 levels, potentially improving brain function and ADHD symptoms.

Brain Development: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for proper brain development and function, particularly in children. Adequate intake of omega-3s during early childhood may support healthy brain development and reduce the risk of ADHD-related symptoms later in life.

Neurotransmitter Regulation: Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in regulating neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain that control mood, behavior, and attention. Research suggests that omega-3s may help balance neurotransmitter levels, potentially improving symptoms of ADHD such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the brain associated with ADHD. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various neurological conditions, including ADHD, and reducing inflammation may alleviate symptoms.

Improved Cognitive Function: Some studies have suggested that fish oil supplementation may lead to improvements in cognitive function, including attention, memory, and learning abilities, which are areas often affected by ADHD.

For these reasons, many healthcare professionals consider omega-3 supplementation as a complementary approach to traditional ADHD treatments, such as medication and behavioral therapy.

Fish Oil can Reduce the Side Effects of Medication

Fish oil can help to reduce the debilitating side effects associated with many drugs. Patients who feel drowsy after taking medications can sometimes reduce their symptoms by taking fish oil. Fish oil can lower blood pressure, so taking these supplements could reduce the frequency that patients have to take blood pressure medication.

Fish oil is advantageous in many situations because it does not react with many medications. Patients can safely take fish oil with most drugs, though it is always advised to inform your doctor you are taking fish oil, or any other supplements, when being prescribed medication.

Fish Oil to Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammation

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can cause severe symptoms that can prevent people from enjoying and living their ordinary lives. RA causes increased joint pressure that can prevent people from getting up in the morning or holding down a job.

Studies have shown that fish oil can help many RA patients manage their symptoms [7]. Omega Oils are known to act as an anti-inflammatory, hence the Omega Oils in fish oil can help to reduce inflammation and therefore pain. Fish oil can be helpful both on days when patients experience extreme symptoms (acute pain) and over the long term (chronic pain).

See also our article on Krill Oil.

Always take care when taking supplements and Read Our Disclaimer.

References:

[1] HARRIS, W. S. (2004). FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTATION: EVIDENCE FOR HEALTH BENEFITS. CLEVELAND CLINIC JOURNAL OF MEDICINE, 71(3), 208-210. [2] DEN RUIJTER, H. M., BERECKI, G., VERKERK, A. O., BAKKER, D., BAARTSCHEER, A., SCHUMACHER, C. A., … & CORONEL, R. (2008). ACUTE ADMINISTRATION OF FISH OIL INHIBITS TRIGGERED ACTIVITY IN ISOLATED MYOCYTES FROM RABBITS AND PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE. CIRCULATION, 117(4), 536-544. [3] HORNSTRA, G. (1989). INFLUENCE OF DIETARY FISH OIL ON ARTERIAL THROMBOSIS AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN ANIMAL MODELS AND IN MAN. JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, 225(S731), 53-59. [4] GURA, K. M., LEE, S., VALIM, C., ZHOU, J., KIM, S., MODI, B. P., … & PUDER, M. (2008). SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF A FISH-OIL–BASED FAT EMULSION IN THE TREATMENT OF PARENTERAL NUTRITION–ASSOCIATED LIVER DISEASE. PEDIATRICS, 121(3), E678-E686. [5] ROSSI, E., & COSTA, M. (1993). FISH OIL DERIVATIVES AS A PROPHYLAXIS OF RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES (APL): A PILOT STUDY. LUPUS, 2(5), 319-323. [6] YOUNG, G. S., CONQUER, J. A., & THOMAS, R. (2005). EFFECT OF RANDOMIZED SUPPLEMENTATION WITH HIGH DOSE OLIVE, FLAX OR FISH OIL ON SERUM PHOSPHOLIPID FATTY ACID LEVELS IN ADULTS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER. REPRODUCTION NUTRITION DEVELOPMENT, 45(5), 549-558. [7] KREMER, J. M., JUBIZ, W., MICHALEK, A., RYNES, R. I., BARTHOLOMEW, L. E., BIGAOUETTE, J., … & LININGER, L. (1987). FISH-OIL FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTATION IN ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A DOUBLE-BLINDED, CONTROLLED, CROSSOVER STUDY. ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, 106(4), 497-503.