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The number one cause of death in the United States for men and women is heart disease. The best way to prevent heart disease is to exercise for 30-45 minutes everyday and eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Of course this approach may not be enough for everyone, which leaves us looking for help. One option that has generated interest in recent years is natural or herbal products. Unfortunately many of these products have not been adequately studied for their use as therapeutic agents. One exception, however, is fish oil.
About the products
There are numerous fish oil products available, including dietary supplements and prescription-only products. It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA for the treatment of a specific medical problem. As a result, the amount of the active ingredient in two different products can vary widely. Always inform your physician and pharmacist of all OTC medications, dietary supplements, and/or natu
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ral products that you are taking.
Dosing
The normal dose for the prescription product, Lovaza, is 4 grams per day taken in a single dose or 2 grams twice a day. The dose of OTC formulations will vary with the product. Doses of 3 grams or less per day are generally accepted as safe. However, these doses may not be as effective as higher doses.
Warnings
Fish oil is generally well-tolerated, however caution is advised in patients with an allergy or sensitivity to fish. Fish oil may also affect liver function and periodic tests should be conducted. LDL (bad) cholesterol may also be increased with fish oil use and should be monitored. Alterations in bleeding time may also occur and anyone taking warfarin (Coumadin) should inform their healthcare providers. If the dose of fish oil is received by increasing the amount of fatty fish in one's diet, it is advised to avoid very frequent consumption of certain fish. The reason is that
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fatty fish are at an increased risk for containing higher concentrations of some toxins. These fish include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and farm-raised salmon.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of omega-3 fatty acids include belching and heartburn. A "fishy" odor has been a major complaint by patients, especially after a burp. Enteric-coated products may be helpful in reducing the odor.
For more information regarding fish oil, or with help in selecting a product, please see your physician or pharmacist.
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