Uses of Fish Oil Based on Scientific Evidence

Scientific evidence that fish oil is beneficial for some health conditions is based on research, studies and some human trials as well as on animals. Fish oil has been found to be of more benefit to some health problems than others. Some conditions respond very well, while others are more limited if at all.  Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Fish oil is recommended for a healthy diet because it contains the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors to eicosanoids that reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Here are Fish Oil Uses Based on Scientific Evidence:

High blood pressure

"Multiple human trials report small reductions in blood pressure with intake of omega-3 fatty acid. DHA may have greater benefits than EPA. However, it may be necessary to take high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids per day to obtain these health benefits, and high doses may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, a qualified healthcare provider should be consulted before starting treatment with fish oil supplements."

Hypertriglyceridemia (fish oil / EPA plus DHA)

"There is strong scientific evidence from human trials that omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements (EPA + DHA) significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels. Benefits appear to be dose-dependent. Fish oil supplements also appear to cause small improvements in high-density lipoprotein ("good cholesterol"); however, increases (worsening) in low-density lipoprotein levels (LDL/"bad cholesterol") have also been observed. It is not clear if alpha-linolenic acid significantly affects triglyceride levels."

Primary cardiovascular disease prevention (fish intake)

"Several large studies of populations (called epidemiological studies) report a significantly lower rate of death from heart disease in people who regularly eat fish. Other epidemiological research reports no such benefits. It is unclear if benefits only occur in certain groups of people, such as those at risk of developing heart disease. Fish oil is also associated with improved blood vessel functioning and decreased resting heart rate. Overall, the evidence suggests benefits of regular consumption of fish oil."

Secondary cardiovascular disease prevention (fish oil / EPA plus DHA)

"Several studies report that regular consumption of oily fish or fish oil/omega-3 supplements reduces the risk of non-fatal heart attacks, fatal heart attacks, sudden death, and deaths due to any cause in people with histories of heart attacks. Most patients in these studies were also using standard heart drugs, suggesting that the benefits of fish oils may add to the effects of other therapies."

 Pregnancy nutritional supplement

"DHA has been found to be important for healthy pregnancies. Research shows that fish oil supplementation from the 22nd week of pregnancy until delivery improves the amount of n-3 LC-PUFA in the fetus and the mother."

Nutrition (in gastrointestinal disorders)

"Early evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may be a good source of nutrition for patients with Crohn's disease or for those who need to be tube fed after abdominal surgeries."

Inflammation

"Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation. Scientists believe that their anti-inflammatory effects may help protect against heart disease."

Infant eye / brain development

"Early evidence suggests that infants have improved problem solving skills but not memory if their mothers consume DHA-containing functional foods during pregnancy. Other research suggests that DHA supplementation during pregnancy plays an important role in the development of the visual system."

Protection from cyclosporine toxicity in organ transplant patients

"There are many studies of heart transplant and kidney transplant patients taking cyclosporine (Neoral®), who received fish oil supplements. Most trials report improvements in kidney function and reduced high blood pressure compared to patients not taking fish oil. Although several recent studies report no benefits for kidney function, the weight of scientific evidence favors the beneficial effects of fish oil."

Rheumatoid arthritis (fish oil)

"Many studies report improvements in morning stiffness and joint tenderness with the regular intake of fish oil supplements for up to three months. Fish oil has been shown to increase the effects of anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen). However, because of weaknesses in study designs and reporting, better research is needed before a strong favorable recommendation can be made."

The some of the following fish oil uses have no firm conclusion since more research is needed. Further studies may be underway and results could change. Some conditions may warrant caution until better results are obtained. Always consult with your health care provider if using medication or if questions of use arise.

Cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

"There is promising evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the risk of irregular heartbeats (called cardiac arrhythmias). It is possible that this action may be responsible for reducing the number of heart attacks in people who regularly ingest fish oil or EPA + DHA. In patients with defibrillators, there is emerging evidence that fish oil supplementation may not be safe, and its effectiveness has been questioned. Additional research is needed in this area before a firm conclusion can be reached."

Coronary disease (acute coronary syndrome)

"Because higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death, researchers have tested if the same is true for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Early evidence suggests that people who have low levels of EPA and DHA may have an increased risk of developing ACS. More research is needed in this area."

Stroke prevention

"Several large studies of populations (called epidemiological studies) have tested the effects of omega-3 fatty acid intake on stroke risk. Some studies suggest benefits, while others do not. Effects are likely on ischemic or thrombotic stroke risk, and very large intakes of omega-3 fatty acids ("Eskimo" amounts) may actually increase the risk of hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke. At this time, it is unclear if there are benefits in people with or without histories of strokes or if effects of fish oil are similar to other treatment strategies."

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (related learning and behavioral problems)

"There is evidence that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may help treat ADHD-related problems, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. More research is needed to confirm these findings."

Cancer prevention

"Several population (epidemiological) studies report that dietary omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil may reduce the risk of developing breast, colon, or prostate cancer. Better-designed studies are necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn."

Colon cancer

"Cancer patients have been reported to commonly take omega-3 fatty acids. Early studies report that fish oil may reduce the growth of colon cancer cells and polyps. However, it is unclear if fish oil effects cancer survival or remission."

Age related macular degeneration

"It has been suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent an eye disorder, called age-related macular degeneration. However, more research is needed to confirm these early findings."

Angina pectoris

Early studies report reductions in chest pain (called angina) associated with fish oil intake. Better research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Asthma

"Several studies in this area do not provide enough reliable evidence to form a clear conclusion, with some studies reporting no effects, and others finding benefits. Because most studies have been small without clear descriptions of design or results, the results cannot be considered conclusive."

Atherosclerosis

"Some research reports that regular intake of fish or fish oil supplements reduces the risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries of the heart, while other research reports no effects. Additional evidence is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn in this area."

Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

"There is early evidence suggesting possible benefits of fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids in women with dysmenorrhea. Additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be reached."

Osteoporosis

"Early evidence suggests that plant sources of dietary n-3 PUFA may help protect against bone loss. More research is needed to confirm these findings."

Bipolar disorder

"It is unclear if omega-3 fatty acids can help improve symptoms of bipolar disorder. Study results are mixed."

Depression

"Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to depression. Some studies suggest that supplements may decrease suicidal behavior and improve symptoms of postpartum depression and childhood depression. However, more research is needed to confirm these early findings."

Dementia

"Well-designed clinical trials are needed before omega-3 fatty acids can be recommended for the prevention of cognitive impairment or dementia."

Schizophrenia

"Early evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help improve symptoms of schizophrenia. Evidence suggests that a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants might also reduce the side effects of haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication."

Epilepsy

"In patients with chronic refractory epilepsy, a disorder that causes seizures, omega-3 supplements may improve brain energy metabolism and increase the level of phospholipids in the brain. More research is needed to determine if this is an effective treatment for patients with epilepsy."

Cystic fibrosis

"A small amount of research in this area does not provide enough reliable evidence to form a clear conclusion."

Immune function

"Some research suggests that fish oil supplementation during pregnancy may speed up the infant's immune system development. However, it is unclear if this affects the infant's health in the future. Other research suggests that supplements during pregnancy may affect the functioning of white blood cells, called neutrophils. More research is needed to fully understand how fish oil affects the immune system."

Peripheral vascular disease / claudication

"Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) occurs when the blood vessels to the arms and legs are clogged. When the muscles do not get enough blood, it causes a type of pain, called claudication. Some evidence suggests that fish oil may improve blood pressure in the legs of patients with PVD and increase how far they can walk until they feel pain. More research is needed." BRAIN FUNCTION & Fish Oil Benefits

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