Frequently Asked Questions about Omega-3

What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids because they perform a number of essential functions. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting cognitive function may reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon) at least 2 times a week.

What are the symptoms of an Omega-3 Deficiency?
Symptoms of Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Fatigue
• Poor memory
• Dry skin
• Heart problems (especially high cholesterol)
• Mood swings
• Poor circulation

What is the recommended dosage of Omega-3 fatty acids?
The typical American diet is rich in Omega-6 fatty acids and low in Omega-3 fatty acids, making supplementation necessary. Depending on the reason for taking a Fish Oil supplement, recommended dosages can range from 500 mg to 3000 mg (3g). Doses exceeding 3000 mg a day, either from diet or supplementation, can actually increase risk of internal bleeding and should only be taken in consultation with and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you have or suspect a medical condition, please talk to your doctor before starting any kind of supplementation.

Is Omega-3 safe for long-term use?
When taken as directed in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise program, Omega-3 is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). However, caution is always advised in individuals who have or suspect a medical condition.

Omega-3 Safety

Is there such a thing as "too much of a good thing" when it comes to Omega-3>
Like anything else, there is a point beyond which consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids, whether from diet or supplementation, can actually cause more damage than good to your health. For instance, consuming more than 3 g of Omega-3 fatty acids (from diet and supplementation combined) can actually increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures and can be fatal. Always use caution and good judgment when supplemnenting with Omega-3 fatty acids.

Does Omega-3 have any side effects?
The most common side effect of Omega-3 supplements is the "fishy" aftertaste; this side effect can be managed by taking fish oil supplements that are "enteric-coated" and absorbed in the lower GI tract. Other side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, "bad" burps, and abdominal pain. Most of these side effects can be minimized by starting with low doses of fish oil and taking fish oil supplements with a meal.

What are the contraindications for Omega-3?
Individuals who are or plan to pregnant, are or plan to breastfeed, those with a known or suspected medical condition, and those currently taking or planning to take prescription or OTC medications for any medical condition should use Fish Oil supplements only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Individuals with a known or suspected allergy to fish and/or other ingredients in the fish oil supplement should find alternate ways to supplement their diets with Omega-3.

Does Omega-3 interact with any prescription medications?
Because Fish Oil may increase fasting blood glucose levels, diabetic individuals currently taking or planning to take diabetic medications should take Fish oil only under the supervision of their healthcare provider. Fish oil may also interact with supplements and medications that lower blood pressure, block the absorption of fats to effect weight loss, and birth control pills. As a general rule, please do not self-diagnose, self-treat, or self-medicate, if you know or suspect a medical condition.

Omega-3 and Health Conditions

Can Omega-3 help manage cholesterol levels?
There is research evidence to suggest that Omega-3 supplementation can help reduce triglyceride levels. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends getting at least 2 servings of fish every week or the equivalent of 1 to 3 g of Omega-3 fatty acids from supplementation to help manage the risks of cardiovascular disease. However, please be advised that high cholesterol is a serious medical condition and self-treatment with Fish Oil or any other supplement is not recommended.

Can I take Omega-3 if I have High blood pressure?
Several studies suggest that diets rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and/or supplementing with Omega-3 Fish Oil supplements can help lower and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. However, high blood pressure is a serious medical condition and it is always recommended to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any kind of supplementation.

How does Omega-3 help manage risk of Heart disease
The best way to help prevent heart disease is to eat a sesible diet that is low in "unhealthy" or saturated fats and rich in "healthy" fats (e.g. monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats). When taken as a dietary supplement in conjunction with a sensible diet and moderate exercise program, Omega-3, including EPA and DHA, can help manage and, in some cases, reduce the risk factors for heart disease including high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and build-up of plaque and clots in the arteries.

Can individuals with Diabetes supplement with Omega-3?br /> Research shows that individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of also having high triglyceries and low levels of the heart-protecting HDL or "good" cholesterol levels. Because Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower triglycerides and possibly raise HDL levels, it follows that diabetic individuals may benefit from supplementing with Fish Oil to reduce their overall risk of heart disease. However, Fish oil can result in slight increases in fasting blood glucose levels, so it is always recommended that diabetic individuals only take fish oil under the supervision of their healthcare provider.

Can Omega-3 help with Rheumatoid Arthritis and/or Osteoarthritis?
First of all, it must be clarified that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an automimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints. While there is some evidence to support Omega-3 fish oil's utility in managing symptoms of RA like inflammation and joint pain, Omega-3 cannot slow progression of the disease or offer any protection from long-term damage to the joints.

To help manage symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA), individuals can reduce dietary intake of Omega-6 (which acutally increases inflammation) or increase intake of Omega-3 fatty acids to compensate for the high amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids in the typical American diet.

Can Omega-3 help with depression?
There is as yet no conclusive evidence to suggest that taking Omega-3 can help with Depression. Depression is a serious illness and self-diagnosis, self-treatment, or self-medication, either with supplements or OTC drugs, is NOT recommended. If you or someone you know has depression, please talk to a healthcare provider right away.

*Disclaimer: The information on this page and on the website is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical opinion. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any kind of supplementation. The statements and product information have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.