Fish oil
Synopsis of fish oil
Fish oil is a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential fats found predominantly in cold-water, fatty fish such as mackerel, sardines, salmon, anchovies, and cod liver. These long-chain omega-3s play vital roles in cell membrane structure, anti-inflammatory regulation, cardiovascular health, and brain function.
Modern fish oil supplements are typically available in softgel, liquid, or emulsified forms, standardized for their EPA and DHA content. These supplements have become some of the most widely consumed globally due to their extensive research backing and broad-spectrum health benefits. EPA is primarily linked with anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular support, including lowering triglycerides and blood pressure, while DHA is critical for cognitive development, retinal health, and neurological protection.
Fish oil is also used for managing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, supporting mood balance, aiding in prenatal nutrition, and reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration. High-dose fish oil is often used under medical supervision to treat hyperlipidemia and other metabolic disorders. Quality and purity are critical concerns due to the risk of heavy metal contamination and oxidation, so reputable products undergo molecular distillation and third-party testing.
Historical Use
The medicinal use of fish oil dates back centuries, most notably in Scandinavian and Northern European cultures, where cod liver oil was consumed for its health benefits. As early as the 18th century, cod liver oil was administered to treat rickets, joint pain, and wasting diseases, long before the discovery of vitamin D. It became a household remedy by the 19th century, particularly for bone and immune support, due to its richness in both vitamin A and D as well as omega-3s.
In traditional Inuit and coastal Native American diets, fatty fish and marine mammals rich in omega-3s were consumed regularly and contributed to remarkably low rates of cardiovascular disease, a fact that piqued scientific curiosity in the 20th century.
The modern scientific exploration of fish oil began in the 1970s, when researchers studying Greenland Eskimos observed their low incidence of heart disease despite high fat intake. This led to the identification of omega-3 fatty acids as cardioprotective agents, sparking decades of clinical trials and widespread acceptance of fish oil as a foundational supplement in preventive health.
Today, fish oil remains a staple in both mainstream and integrative medicine, representing one of the clearest examples of a traditional dietary practice validated and refined through modern science.
Fish oil is used for these health conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Angina (Scientific)
Arrhythmia (Scientific)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Asthma (Scientific)
Bipolar Mood Disorder (Scientific)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cartilage Damage (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Chest Pain (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Circulation (to the brain) (Scientific)
Concentration (poor) (Scientific)
Concussions (Scientific)
Congestive Heart Failure (Scientific)
Dementia (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Dysmenorrhea (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Heart (weakness) (Scientific)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Lupus (Scientific)
Macular Degeneration (Scientific)
Menopause (Scientific)
Migraine (Scientific)
Parkinson's Disease (Scientific)
Pets (supplements for) (Scientific)
Post Partum Depression (Scientific)
fish oil is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Capillaries (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Eyes (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Hair (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Joints (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Prostaglandins (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
