Uses of Fish Oil

People consume fish oil, a kind of oil taken primarily from the tissues of fish, to maintain a healthy diet that prevents cardiovascular inflammation and other medical issues. It is often labeled under the name "omega 3 fatty acid" and marketed as a diet supplement.

Function

• The American Heart Association recommends fish oil for use by those who have high risk of cardiovascular diseases, or who already have the disease.

Features

• Fish oil is found in fish that are rich in healthy oils, such as sardine, salmon, anchovy and mackerel. Supplements that contain fish oil are produced so that people who need to consume a lot of the omega 3 fatty acid can get the recommended amount of oil without eating actual fish.

Benefits

• Fish oil has been proven to reduce inflammation that can cause cardiovascular disease, and is recommended in various quantities as part of a healthy diet by the American Heart Association.

Warning

• Some of the fish from which the fish oil is derived, including salmon and tuna, are at the top of the food chain, which means that they are particularly vulnerable to pollution in their environment. Before using fish oil supplements, be aware how the oil is manufactured and whether the fish it was derived from were at risk for high pollutants.

Expert Insight

• Scientists continue to do research on the qualities of fish oil. A study published in Biological Psychiatry has shown that it may help prevent depression, and a study published in the FASEB Journal has shown that it also has a preventative effect for Parkinson's disease.