Last year the American Heart Association (AHA) issued new guidelines to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease that included two or more servings of fish per week. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also allowed claims that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk for coronary heart disease. Fish oils from cold water fish and some shellfish contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are not manufactured by our bodies. The term "omega-3" refers to the chemical structure of these fatty acids. Other sources of certain omega-3 fatty acids such as linolenic acid are nuts and soybeans. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are omega-3 fatty acids from cold water fish oils. They are often referred to just as "fish oil."

There is no official Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for fish oils. Most experts recommend two to three servings of fish per week. Fish oil supplements have also been shown to have benefits of fish or to enrich a diet that already contains fish. It is important to remember that fish oil is a fat and that too much of any type of fat is unhealthy. Daily intake of more than 7 grams of fish oil may lead to unwanted side effects. Side effects include diarrhea and upset stomach. Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit blood clotting and excessive amounts may lead to bleeding problems. They may also interfere with anticoagulant therapy unless properly monitored. Pregnant women may also wish to use care not to consume excessive amounts of fish which could increase bleeding at delivery.

Many other benefits are reported with fish oil consumption including improvement of depression, reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduced growth of certain cancer cells, and reduced menstrual pain.

Fish oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids include cod, tuna, salmon, halibut, shark, mackerel, herring, bluefish, flounder, and swordfish. Shrimp also contains omega-3 fatty acids. Different fish contain different amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Seven ounces of each: herring provides 3.2 gm, salmon and bluefish provide 2.4 gm, and tuna provides 1 gm. Supplements usually contain from 1/4 gm to 2.9 gm per capsule and are noted on the label.

The foods you eat can have a significant impact on your health and your prescription medication treatment. At Taos Pharmacy you can ask our pharmacists about foods you should increase or avoid to compliment your drug therapy or disease state!

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