Fish Oil Vitamins - Information and Buying Guide

Of the many fish oil vitamins on the market today, how do you know which one is right for you? This information and buying guide will help give you a better understanding of this supplement is and how it can improve your health.

What exactly is fish oil?

Fish oil is derived from fish and contains Omega-3 fatty acids necessary for normal body functions, and helps to ward off certain illnesses and diseases. While there are two main types of fatty acids most often discussed, there are actually eight, which include:

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)


• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)


• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)


• DPA


• HPA


• ETA


• SDA

When looking for fish oil supplements, choose one that has a balance of all eight fatty acids to gain the most benefit.

What are the benefits?

There can be significant improvements to health when taking this supplement, due the high content of omega-3 fatty acids. There can be a profound affect on the cardiovascular system, the skin, and brain function. Other benefits include:

• Reduce blood pressure


• Lower triglyceride levels


• As an anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis


• Decrease chances of developing certain cancers, such as cancer of the breast, colon, and prostate


• Improves skin and vision


• Promotes brain function

Research suggests that fish oil vitamins may help give the immune system a boost. In addition, if you are currently taking blood thinners, consult with your physician before taking fish oil supplementation. This supplement can potentiate the effects of blood thinner medication, which can increase bleeding risks.

Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats found in fish, such as herring, mackerel, trout, tuna, and salmon. These fatty acids are also found in plants, including nuts, flaxseed, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Heart healthy omega-3 oils are olive oil, canola, flaxseed and soybean oil, which are rich sources of ALA. DHA and EPA fatty acids are found in fish.

Buying Guide:

As with any dietary supplement, not all fish oil vitamins are the same. Here are some tips to help you find the fish oil that is right for you.

Know where your supplement is coming from. Buy your fish oil supplements from well known reputable companies who manufacture their own products. Also, check how returns are handled in case you find a problem when your supplements arrive.

Avoid purchasing from auction sites. You really don't know who these people are, where they got their product from, or if the item is pure. Many times, you could be buying fish oil supplements that have expired or may be rancid. Fish oil vitamins that have a bad smell are rancid and should not be sold or bought.

When purchasing, check the label for the amount of DHA and EPA. While both are found in fish oil, DHA is the more crucial fatty acid because the body is able to convert it into EPA when needed. Therefore, you want twice as much DHA in the capsule than EPA.

by Barb Hicks, RN