Fish Oil — answers to Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
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Fish oil is an oil extracted from oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, containing the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Why it’s used
Taken to increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids, commonly for cardiovascular support and to help manage blood triglyceride levels.
What the evidence is for
lowering elevated blood triglyceride levels.
What the evidence says
According to NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements, EPA and DHA from fish oil can lower elevated triglyceride levels, and prescription-strength omega-3 formulations are used medically for this purpose. Evidence for broader cardiovascular event prevention from over-the-counter fish oil supplements in the general population is mixed, with some large trials showing modest or no benefit for heart attack or stroke prevention.
Dose studied
2–4 g — combined EPA+DHA doses used in triglyceride-lowering trials, per NIH ODS.
Context
Clinical trials studying triglyceride-lowering effects have generally used combined EPA and DHA doses in the range of about 2 to 4 grams per day, often for several weeks to months; effects and study populations vary, and most everyday supplement doses are lower than those used in these trials.
Educational information, not medical or safety advice. Consult a professional for allergies or medical concerns.