Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oils) |
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Basic Information
These fatty acids are a dietary supplement available in
capsules or oil. It is commercially advertised to protect
against diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Brand names:
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Capsules
Cardi-Omega 3(R)
Marine 500(R)
Marine 1000(R)
Max-EPA(R)
Promega(R)
Proto-Chol(R)
Sea-Omega 50(R)
Chemicals this supplement contains:
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
KNOWN EFFECTS
Greenland Eskimos who eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids
have very low serum triglycerides and total cholesterol. They
have high high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This
cholesterol is known to protect against deposits of plaque,
which can occlude critical blood vessels and cause heart
attacks, strokes and other major health problems. Coastal
Japanese people have similar diets and similar findings.
Increasing omega-3 by supplementation may raise blood
cholesterol.
Miscellaneous information:
Omega-3 fatty acids come from COLD-WATER FISH, particularly
cod, tuna, salmon, halibut, shark, mackerel. Increasing "oily"
fish in the diet is preferable to taking omega-3 fatty-acid
supplements.
May increase total blood cholesterol.
Causes fishy odor on breath, greasy stools, belching and
abdominal distention.
Reduces blood-clotting capability; could cause excessive
bleeding in an accident.
May increase tendency toward anemia in menstruating women.
May reduce reclosure of arteries after balloon angioplasty.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Protects against arthritis.
Protects against arteriosclerosis.
Protects against coronary-artery disease.
Protects against strokes.
Protects against kidney failure.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in
the near future.
Consult your doctor if you:
Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives,
cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino
acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription
drugs.
Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have
not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't
use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking
small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of
problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any supplement is
hazardous.
Others:
This fat becomes rancid easily and quickly.
No one knows how much is beneficial and non-toxic.
Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from
children.
Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.
TOXICITY
Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side
Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.
ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS
| Signs and symptoms: |
What to do: |
| Large amounts may lead to |
Discontinue. Call doctor |
| bleeding problems, diminished |
immediately. |
| immunity, predisposition to |
| some malignancies |
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