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Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Scientific View By
Deepa Sarkar
M.Pharm, B.Pharm
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information
Read our editorial policy

Fish Oil

Fish oil is derived from the tissues of oily fish. It is an excellent supplement for omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish oil might help in weight management when taken along with your regular diet. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce triglycerides and lower cholesterol levels in the body. Fish oil also provides protection to the heart tissues and prevents irregular heart beats due to its cardioprotective property.
Fish oil is beneficial for skin problems such as psoriasis due to the presence of antioxidants that help prevent skin cell damage caused by free radicals. Regular intake of 1-2 Fish oil capsules per day helps reduce itching and redness of skin due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Fish oil reduces the risk of osteoporosis by preventing the removal of calcium from the body which helps to keep the bones strong.
It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Fish oil as large amounts may cause some side effects such as nausea and bad breath in some people[1][2][28][31][32].

What is the source of Fish Oil?

Animal Based

Benefits of Fish Oil

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for High triglycerides?

Modern Science View
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which inhibit the formation of triglycerides. The amount of Fish oil consumed is directly related to the amount of reduction in triglyceride level[2-4].
Ayurvedic View
Fish oil helps to control triglycerides level. According to Ayurveda, high cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Fish oil helps reduce Ama because of its Ushna (hot) nature and control the high cholesterol level.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Fish oil may be useful in managing Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children[2][8].
Ayurvedic View
Fish oil helps to control the symptoms of Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. According to Ayurveda, ADHD is due to imbalance in Vata dosha. Fish oil helps to balance Vata dosha and thus manages the symptoms of ADHD.

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Bipolar disorder?

Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in managing Bipolar disorder when taken along with the conventional treatment. Many pathways in the central nervous system get overactivated in people with Bipolar disorder. Fish oil inhibits these pathways thereby having a mood-stabilizing effect. It may be useful in reducing symptoms of depression but not mania[2][9-11].

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Pancreatic cancer?

Modern Science View
Certain components present in Fish oil may be useful in managing cancer-related weight loss. It has an effect on many factors responsible for weight loss in pancreatic cancer. Fish oil may reduce the production of certain inflammatory chemicals and increase blood insulin level, thereby managing weight-loss[2][12][13].

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Heart disease?

Modern Science View
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that have potent cardioprotective effect. It protects the heart tissue and prevent irregular heart beats. Fish oil also prevents the formation of plaques by lowering triglyceride level thereby preventing heart attacks. It is recommended to have at least two Fish meals in a week for best results[2][14-16].
Ayurvedic View
Fish oil helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases by controlling high cholesterol. According to Ayurveda, high cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Fish oil helps reduce Ama because of its Ushna (hot) nature and controls high cholesterol level in blood. This reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Coronary artery disease?

Modern Science View
Dietary supplementation of Fish oil in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery reduces the chances of closing of the vein graft. Fish oil may also reduce the chances of irregular heartbeat causing poor blood flow after surgery. This reduces the stay in hospital[2][17-19].

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Chronic kidney disease?

Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in protecting the kidneys against drug damage. It has a beneficial effect on the renal blood flow system. Fish oil also improves the function of kidneys after rejection of transplanted organ in people taking the drug cyclosporine[2][20].

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Menstrual pain?

Modern Science View
Fish oil alone or along with vitamin B12 may be useful in managing menstrual pain. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory property. It reduces the production of certain chemicals that cause menstrual pain[2][22-24].
Ayurvedic View
Dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Fish oil has Vata balancing property and gives relief in dysmenorrhea. It controls aggravated Vata due to Ushna (hot) potency and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Heart Failure?

Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in managing congestive heart failure (CHF). Fish oil regulates certain factors such as blood flow, reduces blood pressure and inflammation. These factors are essential in maintaining overall heart health[2][25].

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Hypertension (high blood pressure)?

Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in managing blood pressure. It helps in lowering high blood pressure especially in hypertensive and old people[2][29-30].

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Osteoporosis?

Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that controls the removal of calcium from the body thereby inhibiting weakening of bones[2][31][32].

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Psoriasis?

Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in managing psoriasis. Regular intake of Fish oil capsules may reduce itching and redness along with reduction of the affected surface area[2][33][34].

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Raynaud's disease?

Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in managing Raynaud’s syndrome. The omega-3 fatty acids present in Fish oil improve tolerance to cold exposure. This delays the sudden narrowing of blood vessels in patients with primary, but not secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. This may also lead to increase in blood pressure in cold temperatures[2][27].

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Rheumatoid arthritis?

Modern Science View
Due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in Fish oil, it may be useful in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil may reduce swelling, number of tender joints as well as morning stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis[2][35-37].
Ayurvedic View
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Amavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama. This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Fish oil helps to reduce Ama due to its Ushna(hot) potency and gives relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.

What are the benefits of Fish Oil for Stroke?

Modern Science View
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that prevent clumping of platelets. It also acts as a vasodilator which may further reduce clumping of platelets. Due to this, Fish oil may reduce the chances of a stroke in both men and women[2][38][39].

How effective is Fish Oil?

Likely effective
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Bipolar disorder, Chronic kidney disease, Coronary artery disease, Diabetic kidney disease, Heart Failure, Heart disease, High triglycerides, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Menstrual pain, Osteoporosis, Pancreatic cancer, Psoriasis, Raynaud's disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Stroke

Precautions when using Fish Oil

Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
1. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you are allergic to seafood[2].

2. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you have bipolar disorder[2].

3. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you have any liver diseases[2].

4. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you are at a risk of developing cancer[2].

5. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you are at a risk of AIDS[2].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil during Breastfeeding[2].
Minor Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Fish oil may slower the blood clotting. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Fish oil along with anticoagulant drugs[2].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Fish oil may interact with birth control pills. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Fish oil along with birth control pills[2].

2. Fish oil may lower the blood pressure. So, it is generally advisable to monitor your blood pressure while taking Fish oil with antihypertensive drugs[2].

3. Fish oil may interact with drugs that cause weight loss. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Fish oil with anti-obesity drugs[2].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil during Pregnancy[2].
Side Effects
Modern Science View
1. Belching
2. Bad breath
3. Nausea
4. Loose stools[2]

Recommended Dosage of Fish Oil

  • Fish Oil Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.

How to use Fish Oil

1. Fish oil Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
b. Swallow it with water.
c. Continue for 1-2 months for better results.

Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Generally 1-2 Fish oil capsules can be taken per day. However, it is generally recommended to consult your doctor before taking Fish oil capsules.
Tip: Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil daily.
Swallow it with water after taking light food[53].

References

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The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.