|
 |
 |
|
Benefits of Fish Oil
|
By Dan Peterson, Pharm. D. Candidate
|
October, 2007
|
|
Many of us, at one time or another, have heard from someone to "eat more fish, because it's good for you." Well, when it comes to protecting your heart, this statement is true. The American Heart Association recommends having 2 servings of fish per week due to its protective effects on the heart. In addition, certain types of fish, such as salmon, herring and tuna, provide better heart protection than others. "That's great," you say, "but I don't like eating any of those types of fish, is there something I can take that provides the same heart-health benefits?"
|
|
 The answer is fish oil. Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids, which serve to provide protective benefits for the heart. These are the same omega 3 fatty acids also found in the above mentioned fish; they serve to provide heart protection. Fish oil contains mainly two omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decosahexanenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA provide heart protection by decreasing the amount of fat that your body produces in the liver. This is important because heart disease is associated with an increased amount of fat in your bloodstream, making a tendency for the fat to clog a vessel more likely. This can lead to chest pain, heart attack, or heart disease. By decreasing the amount of fat that your body produces, fish oil decreases the amount of fat in your bloodstream and the likelihood of your experiencing a heart attack. A study by the American Medical Association was able to show that fish oil decreased the incidence of the development of heart disease by one-third. |
|
|
However, fish oil should not be used in everyone. Fish oil can make individuals on certain medications such as Coumadin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Plavix, aspirin, or garlic more susceptible to bleeding because of its effect to decrease the body's ability to clot. You should ask your doctor or Lewis pharmacist before you begin taking fish oil if you are on one of these medications. In addition, fish oil can slightly lower blood pressure. It should be used with caution in patients whom are on blood pressure medications. If you have diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugars if you are taking fish oil. Studies have shown that fish oil does not affect long term glucose control but it can cause a temporary increase in blood glucose levels.
|
|
 Just a couple of pointers if you decide that fish oil is worth a try: The recommended dose of fish oil is 500 to 3000 mg daily. This will cost you around $10 a month, depending on which brand you choose. Also, fish oil can leave an unpleasant aftertaste. This can be minimized by taking fish oil with food. In addition, fish oil capsules can be purchased witih enteric coating, which minimizes stomach upset and unpleasant aftertaste. Lastly, if fish oil capsules are refrigerated, they are less likely to leave that unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Fish oil is a great alternative for those desiring heart healthy benefits but do not love to eat fish. However, check with your doctor or Lewis pharmacist before you can begin to take fish oil to see if it's right for you. Then the next time you hear someone say, "I heard eating fish is good for your heart," you can say, "I know all about it." |
|
|
(Note – Some of this article was found by using the following references:
Burns, et al. Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on the Arachidonic Aicd: Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ratio. Pharmacotherapy; 2007; 27; 633-638.
Dipiro, J et al. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. 6th Edition. 2005; 438-439.
Fish Oil Monograph. Lexi-Comp. Accessed October 1, 2007.
Fish Oil Monograph. Accessed October 1, 2007 from [www.medlineplus.gov].
Jacobson, T et al. Hypertriglyceridemia and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction. Clinical Therapeutics. 2007; 29: 763-777).
|
|
|
