Fish oil has shown distinct promise for treating high triglycerides. When taken in combination with stanols and sterols, fish oil helps lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol.
Fish oil supplementation should be considered for patients on statin drugs. Fish oil can enhance the effects of statins and help decrease potentially severe side-effects of the drugs.
Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that flourish in the Antarctic Ocean and provide food for numerous aquatic animals. Krill oil is similar but not identical to fish oil and may improve cholesterol profile.
A slightly modified form of fish oil (ethyl-omega-3 fatty acids) has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for high triglycerides.33 This specially processed product, sold under the trade name Omacor, is widely advertised as more effective than ordinary fish oil. However, it should be noted that Omacor has undergone relatively little study itself; the physician prescribing information notes only two small trials to support its effectiveness for this use. This is far less evidence than usually required for drug approval, and also substantially less than the body of evidence supporting standard fish oil as a treatment for high triglycerides.
Fish oil has been shown to have a favorable effect on fats in the blood, in particular triglycerides. A study investigating the possible benefit of combining sterols with fish oil found that together they significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and raised HDL-cholesterol in subjects with undesirable cholesterol profiles.286
Fish oil has shown distinct promise for treating hypertriglyceridemiahigh triglycerides. More than 2,000 people have participated in well-designed studies of fish oil for reducing triglyceride levels.1 Most studies ran from about 7 to 10 weeks.
It appears that fish oil supplements can reduce triglycerides by about 25% to 30%. Although not all studies have been positive, in a detailed review of 47 randomized trials, researchers concluded that fish oil is capable of significantly reducing triglyceride levels with no change in total cholesterol levels and only slight increases in HDL (“good”) cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.35 However, it should be noted that in some studies, use of fish oil has markedly raised LDL cholesterol, which might offset some of the benefit. Fish oil has been studied for reducing triglyceride levels specifically in people with diabetes, and it appears to do so safely and effectively.3 Furthermore, in people using statin drugs to control lipid levels, the addition of fish oil or its isolated component DHA appears to improve results.4, 34 It should be noted that in some studies, use of fish oil has markedly raised LDL cholesterol, which might offset some of the benefit.
The most important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are named EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). According to some, but not all, studies, EPA may be more important than DHA for reducing triglyceride levels.5-10,32
Fish oil may enhance the effectiveness of drugs in the statin family.252,264 EPA, a constituent of fish oil, may help prevent severe heart complications in people with high cholesterol already taking statins.254
Krill oil is made from shrimp-like crustaceans. It is similar but not identical to fish oil and may improve cholesterol profile.204
Fish oil has shown distinct promise for treating high triglycerides. When taken in combination with stanols and sterols, fish oil helps lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol.
Fish oil supplementation should be considered for patients on statin drugs. Fish oil can enhance the effects of statins and help decrease potentially severe side-effects of the drugs.
Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that flourish in the Antarctic Ocean and provide food for numerous aquatic animals. Krill oil is similar but not identical to fish oil and may improve cholesterol profile.
A slightly modified form of fish oil (ethyl-omega-3 fatty acids) has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for high triglycerides.33 This specially processed product, sold under the trade name Omacor, is widely advertised as more effective than ordinary fish oil. However, it should be noted that Omacor has undergone relatively little study itself; the physician prescribing information notes only two small trials to support its effectiveness for this use. This is far less evidence than usually required for drug approval, and also substantially less than the body of evidence supporting standard fish oil as a treatment for high triglycerides.
Fish oil has been shown to have a favorable effect on fats in the blood, in particular triglycerides. A study investigating the possible benefit of combining sterols with fish oil found that together they significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and raised HDL-cholesterol in subjects with undesirable cholesterol profiles.286
Fish oil has shown distinct promise for treating high triglycerides. More than 2,000 people have participated in well-designed studies of fish oil for reducing triglyceride levels.1 Most studies ran from about 7 to 10 weeks.
It appears that fish oil supplements can reduce triglycerides by about 25% to 30%. Although not all studies have been positive, in a detailed review of 47 randomized trials, researchers concluded that fish oil is capable of significantly reducing triglyceride levels with no change in total cholesterol levels and only slight increases in HDL (“good”) cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.35 Fish oil has been studied for reducing triglyceride levels specifically in people with diabetes, and it appears to do so safely and effectively.3 It should be noted that in some studies, use of fish oil has markedly raised LDL cholesterol, which might offset some of the benefit.
The most important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are named EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). According to some, but not all, studies, EPA may be more important than DHA for reducing triglyceride levels.5-10,32
Fish oil may enhance the effectiveness of drugs in the statin family.252,264 EPA, a constituent of fish oil, may help prevent severe heart complications in people with high cholesterol already taking statins.254
Krill oil is made from shrimp-like crustaceans. It is similar but not identical to fish oil and may improve cholesterol profile.204
Typical dosages of fish oil are 3 g to 9 g daily, but this is not the upper limit. In one study, participants ingested 60 g daily.
The most important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In order to match the dosage used in several major studies, you should take enough fish oil to supply about 2 g to 3 g of EPA (2,000 mg to 3,500 mg) and about 1.0 g to 2.5 g of DHA daily (1,000 mg to 2,500 mg). Far higher doses have been used in some studies; conversely, one study found blood-pressure lowering effects with a very low daily dosage of DHA—0.7 g.238
DHA and EPA are not identical and might not have identical effects. Some evidence hints that DHA may be more effective than EPA for thinning the blood 176 and reducing blood pressure.105 The reverse may be true for reducing triglyceride levels, but study results are conflicting.160-165,235
Some manufacturers add vitamin E to fish oil capsules to keep the oil from becoming rancid. Another method is to remove all the oxygen from the capsule.
If possible, purchase fish oil products certified as free of significant levels of mercury, toxic organochlorines, and PCBs (see Safety Issues).
Flaxseed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids, although of a different kind. It has been suggested as a less smelly substitute for fish oil. However, it is far from clear whether flaxseed oil is therapeutically equivalent to fish oil.1,200
Typical dosages of fish oil are 3 g to 9 g daily, but this is not the upper limit. In one study, participants ingested 60 g daily.
The most important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In order to match the dosage used in several major studies, you should take enough fish oil to supply about 2 g to 3 g of EPA (2,000 mg to 3,500 mg) and about 1.0 g to 2.5 g of DHA daily (1,000 mg to 2,500 mg). Far higher doses have been used in some studies; conversely, one study found blood-pressure lowering effects with a very low daily dosage of DHA—0.7 g.238
DHA and EPA are not identical and might not have identical effects. Some evidence hints that DHA may be more effective than EPA for thinning the blood 176 and reducing blood pressure.105 The reverse may be true for reducing triglyceride levels, but study results are conflicting.160-165,235
Some manufacturers add vitamin E to fish oil capsules to keep the oil from becoming rancid. Another method is to remove all the oxygen from the capsule.
If possible, purchase fish oil products certified as free of significant levels of mercury, toxic organochlorines, and PCBs (see Safety Issues).
Flaxseed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids, although of a different kind. It has been suggested as a less smelly substitute for fish oil. However, it is far from clear whether flaxseed oil is therapeutically equivalent to fish oil.1,200
Fish oil has a number of effects on cardiovascular processes and conditions, including reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Fish oil has been shown to have a favorable effect on fats in the blood, in particular triglycerides. A study investigating the possible benefit of combining sterols with fish oil found that together they significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and raised HDL-cholesterol in subjects with undesirable cholesterol profiles.286
Fish oil has shown distinct promise for treating high triglycerides. More than 2,000 people have participated in well-designed studies of fish oil for reducing triglyceride levels.1 Most studies ran from about 7 to 10 weeks.
It appears that fish oil supplements can reduce triglycerides by about 25% to 30%. Although not all studies have been positive, in a detailed review of 47 randomized trials, researchers concluded that fish oil is capable of significantly reducing triglyceride levels with no change in total cholesterol levels and only slight increases in HDL (“good”) cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.35 Fish oil has been studied for reducing triglyceride levels specifically in people with diabetes, and it appears to do so safely and effectively.3 It should be noted that in some studies, use of fish oil has markedly raised LDL cholesterol, which might offset some of the benefit.
The most important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are named EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). According to some, but not all, studies, EPA may be more important than DHA for reducing triglyceride levels.5-10,32
Fish oil may enhance the effectiveness of drugs in the statin family.252,264 EPA, a constituent of fish oil, may help prevent severe heart complications in people with high cholesterol already taking statins.254
Krill oil is made from shrimp-like crustaceans. It is similar but not identical to fish oil and may improve cholesterol profile.204
Fish oil has shown distinct promise for treating high triglycerides. When taken in combination with stanols and sterols, fish oil helps lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol.
Fish oil supplementation should be considered for patients on statin drugs. Fish oil can enhance the effects of statins and help decrease potentially severe side-effects of the drugs.
Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that flourish in the Antarctic Ocean and provide food for numerous aquatic animals. Krill oil is similar but not identical to fish oil and may improve cholesterol profile.
A slightly modified form of fish oil (ethyl-omega-3 fatty acids) has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for high triglycerides.33 This specially processed product, sold under the trade name Omacor, is widely advertised as more effective than ordinary fish oil. However, it should be noted that Omacor has undergone relatively little study itself; the physician prescribing information notes only two small trials to support its effectiveness for this use. This is far less evidence than usually required for drug approval, and also substantially less than the body of evidence supporting standard fish oil as a treatment for high triglycerides.
Fish oil has been shown to have a favorable effect on fats in the blood, in particular triglycerides. A study investigating the possible benefit of combining sterols with fish oil found that together they significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and raised HDL-cholesterol in subjects with undesirable cholesterol profiles.286
Fish oil has shown distinct promise for treating high triglycerides. More than 2,000 people have participated in well-designed studies of fish oil for reducing triglyceride levels.1 Most studies ran from about 7 to 10 weeks.
It appears that fish oil supplements can reduce triglycerides by about 25% to 30%. Although not all studies have been positive, in a detailed review of 47 randomized trials, researchers concluded that fish oil is capable of significantly reducing triglyceride levels with no change in total cholesterol levels and only slight increases in HDL (“good”) cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.35 Fish oil has been studied for reducing triglyceride levels specifically in people with diabetes, and it appears to do so safely and effectively.3 It should be noted that in some studies, use of fish oil has markedly raised LDL cholesterol, which might offset some of the benefit.
The most important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are named EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). According to some, but not all, studies, EPA may be more important than DHA for reducing triglyceride levels.5-10,32
Fish oil may enhance the effectiveness of drugs in the statin family.252,264 EPA, a constituent of fish oil, may help prevent severe heart complications in people with high cholesterol already taking statins.254
Krill oil is made from shrimp-like crustaceans. It is similar but not identical to fish oil and may improve cholesterol profile.204
Fish oil has shown distinct promise for treating high triglycerides. When taken in combination with stanols and sterols, fish oil helps lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol.
Fish oil supplementation should be considered for patients on statin drugs. Fish oil can enhance the effects of statins and help decrease potentially severe side-effects of the drugs.
Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that flourish in the Antarctic Ocean and provide food for numerous aquatic animals. Krill oil is similar but not identical to fish oil and may improve cholesterol profile.
A slightly modified form of fish oil (ethyl-omega-3 fatty acids) has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for high triglycerides.33 This specially processed product, sold under the trade name Omacor, is widely advertised as more effective than ordinary fish oil. However, it should be noted that Omacor has undergone relatively little study itself; the physician prescribing information notes only two small trials to support its effectiveness for this use. This is far less evidence than usually required for drug approval, and also substantially less than the body of evidence supporting standard fish oil as a treatment for high triglycerides.
Enter section content... Fish oil has a number of effects on cardiovascular processes and conditions, including reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Fish oil has a number of effects on cardiovascular processes and conditions, including reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Fish oil is recommended for a number of cardiovascular conditions, including congestive heart failure (CHF) and heart attacks. It appears that fish oil may also reduce blood pressurehelp treat hypertension.
Typical dosages of fish oil are 3 g to 9 g daily, but this is not the upper limit. In one study, participants ingested 60 g daily.
The most important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In order to match the dosage used in several major studies, you should take enough fish oil to supply about 2 g to 3 g of EPA (2,000 mg to 3,500 mg) and about 1.0 g to 2.5 g of DHA daily (1,000 mg to 2,500 mg). Far higher doses have been used in some studies; conversely, one study found blood-pressure lowering effects with a very low daily dosage of DHA—0.7 g.238
DHA and EPA are not identical and might not have identical effects. Some evidence hints that DHA may be more effective than EPA for thinning the blood 176 and reducing blood pressure.105 The reverse may be true for reducing triglyceride levels, but study results are conflicting.160-165,235
Some manufacturers add vitamin E to fish oil capsules to keep the oil from becoming rancid. Another method is to remove all the oxygen from the capsule.
If possible, purchase fish oil products certified as free of significant levels of mercury, toxic organochlorines, and PCBs (see Safety Issues).
Flaxseed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids, although of a different kind. It has been suggested as a less smelly substitute for fish oil. However, it is far from clear whether flaxseed oil is therapeutically equivalent to fish oil.1,200
