Fish Oil

Active ingredient for brain and retinal health (more than 40% of brain and retina is structural fat and more than 50% of fat in brain and retina is DHA).

Decreases arrhythmias and deaths related to coronary artery disease.

Important component for cell signaling.

Data from the MIDAS trial indicate that 900 mg of DHA (about 3 g of fish oil) per d in pts with minimal cognitive dysfunction restored memory to that of a person 3.5 y younger.

Data from a trial in non-breastfed infants indicate better IQ by about 16 points in babies who were formula fed with 20 mg of DHA per d compared with those fed formula without DHA.

While reducing plasma concentrations of triglycerides, also reduces elevated VLDL and chylomicrons and causes slight elevation in HDL; tends to reduce risk of death from CAD as well as the risk of stroke.

Lowers BP (minimal effect).

Decreases the risk of arrhythmias and MI.

Beneficial antithrombogenic from EPA (DHA has no anticlotting effect) and anti-inflammatory effects from DHA or EPA

Management of collagen vascular diseases (lupus, psoriasis, Raynaud phenomenon) and promotion of symptomatic improvement in rheumatic disease.

May prevent immunologic injury in pts with IgA nephropathy by retarding loss of renal function. May benefit renal transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine. Significant beneficial effects on diabetic nephropathy and macroangiopathy.

Beneficial in chronic and severe mental disorders (bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, dementia).

Reduces inflammatory symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Other uses: Dysmenorrhea, kidney stones, diabetic neuropathy, gout, migraine headaches, male infertility, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, cancer-related cachexia, modest reduction in cataract risks, may improve risk of depression.

Risks of long-term use not known. Variable increase in bleeding time with EPA (but not with DHA).

Coagulation disorders; >3 g/d can inhibit blood coagulation and potentially reduce platelet aggregability, thus increasing risk of bleeding.

Large doses of fish oil have been linked to a theoretical increased incidence of cancer via an increase in free radicals and elevated oxidate stress (e.g., prostate cancer). However, it should be noted that another study has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids protect against death from prostate cancer.