Fish Oil Supplements & Cholesterol

As Recommended by the Heart Association

Fish oil has been shown in epidemiological and clinical trials to reduce the incidence of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. Large-scale epidemiological studies suggest that individuals at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from the consumption of fish oil as it is high in omega 3 fatty acids. American Heart Associated updated its advice on fish oil supplements and the full article was published in Circulation 106:2747-2757, 2002

 

People without documented coronary heart disease	Eat a variety of (preferably oily) fish at least twice a week. Include oils and foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid (flax seed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil; flax seed and walnuts)
People with documented coronary heart disease	Consume approximately 1 gram of EPA+DHA per day, preferably from oily fish. EPA+DHA supplements could be considered in consultation with a physician.
People needing triglyceride-lowering	Two to four grams of EPA+DHA per day provided as capsules such as fish oil or omega 3 supplements under a physician's care

 

Recent studies have also showed positive benefits of fish oil in IBS (Crohn's Disease and Colitis). Fish oil seems to be able to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines.

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