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Fish Oil /Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

Fish Oil for Memory?

March 05, 2024
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Did taking fish oil improve cognitive function or memory among older people with depression in a recent study? Find out in the Memory Enhancement section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for fish oil.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

Omega-3s for Preventing Preterm Birth

February 21, 2024
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Some new guidelines suggest getting specific amounts of the omega-3s DHA and EPA during pregnancy. Get the details, including how to tell if your intake is too low and when to start supplementation, in the Pregnancy section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among omega-3 supplements.

Omega-7s for Wrinkles?

February 06, 2024
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Did taking an omega-7 supplement decrease wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”) in a recent study? Find out in our Fish, Krill, and Algal Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for getting omega-7s.

Also see: Do any supplements increase skin elasticity or tighten the skin?

Fish Oil Plus Statins?

January 16, 2024
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Does adding high-dose fish oil to therapy with statins slow the progression of coronary plaque? See what a new study found in the Taking with Statins section of our Fish, Krill, and Algal Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

High-Dose Fish Oil for Heart Attack Recovery?

January 09, 2024
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During recovery from heart attack, does high-dose fish oil prevent another heart attack, heart failure, or death? Find out what a recent study showed in the Heart Disease and Stroke section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil & Retinopathy

December 12, 2023
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Does taking fish oil decrease the risk of developing retinopathy in people with diabetes? See what a major study found in the Retinal Disease section of our Fish, Krill, and Algal Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among omega-3 supplements.

Calanus Oil for Memory?

November 17, 2023
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Does supplementing with calanus oil, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, improve memory in older men and women? Find out what research suggests in the Memory Enhancement in Healthy Individuals section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

Fish Oil & Bleeding Risk

November 03, 2023
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High-dose fish oil can increase bleeding risk, but this is most likely among people on certain medications, according to recent data. For details see the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil for Depression & Anxiety?

October 31, 2023
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Fish oil may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, but the dose and level of EPA vs. DHA matters, according to several studies, including a recent one. Get the details in the Depression section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for fish oil.

Also see: What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?

Gout & Fish Oil

October 20, 2023
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People with gout are advised to limit intake of purine-rich foods, including certain fish. Should fish oil supplements also be avoided? Find out in the Gout section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for fish oil.

Also see: "Which supplements and foods help with gout and which may worsen it?"

Krill Oil for Osteoarthritis?

October 06, 2023
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Can knee pain from osteoarthritis be reduced by a combination of krill oil, astaxanthin and hyaluronic acid? Find out what a recent study showed in the Osteoarthritis section of our Omega-3 Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for krill and fish oil supplements.

Also see: Which supplements help with arthritis?

Add Fish Oil to Statins?

September 26, 2023
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For people already on a statin drug to lower cholesterol, does taking high-dose fish oil offer additional benefits? See what a new study found in the Taking With Statins section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for high-concentration fish oils.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

Krill Oil for Knees?

September 15, 2023
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Did taking high-dose krill oil for 6 months reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis of the knee? See what a recent study found in the Arthritis section of our Omega-3 Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for krill and fish oils.

Also see: Which supplements help with arthritis?

Fish Oil & Atrial Fibrillation

July 21, 2023
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Very high-dose fish oil has been shown to increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm problem. A new study suggests why. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Fish Oil for Depression

June 27, 2023
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Did taking fish oil decrease symptoms of major depression in young people? See what a new study found in the Depression section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see: What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?

Fish Oil & Chocolate for Memory?

June 16, 2023
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Did consuming fish oil and chocolate improve cognition in people with cognitive decline? See what a new study found in the Cognitive Impairment section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

Fish Oil for Gum Disease?

June 02, 2023
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Does taking fish oil after dental "deep cleaning" reduce bleeding and pocketing around teeth in people with severe gum disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Periodontitis section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Heart Rhythm Risk with Fish Oil

March 14, 2023
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Be aware that high-dose fish oil supplementation increases the risk of atrial fibrillation. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Fish Oil for Infertility?

March 10, 2023
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Can supplementing with fish oil improve the likelihood of pregnancy among women with PCOS-related infertility? Find out what a recent study showed in the Infertility section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements.

Fish Oil for Strength?

February 28, 2023
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Does supplementing with fish oil boost gains from resistance exercise? Find out what a recent study suggests in the Muscle, Strength and Falls section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil Absorption

February 07, 2023
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Re-esterified triglyceride forms of fish oil are among the best absorbed forms. But even among these re-esterified forms, there can be differences. Find out what a recent study suggests in the Forms of Fish Oil section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Fish Oil & Rheumatoid Arthritis

January 31, 2023
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A recent study investigated how fish oil supplementation may help to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Get the details, and learn if fish oil can help with osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions, in our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for fish oil.

Also see: Which supplements can help with arthritis?

Fish Oil & Hair

January 27, 2023
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A diet extremely high in fish oil caused hair loss in a recent study in mice. Should this be a concern for people? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for fish oil.

Also see: Do hair supplements, such as Viviscal, Hair La Vie, and Nutrafol, or topical essential oils work?

Alternatives to Rx Omega-3s

November 04, 2022
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A CL member who was prescribed Vascepa to lower triglycerides asked if any fish oil supplements are comparable but less expensive. Find out which fish oil supplements are comparable to prescription omega-3s in our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Fish Oil for Better Sleep?

October 11, 2022
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Fish Oil for Better Sleep? Does fish oil improve sleep in middle-aged men and women? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see our answer to the question: What are the best supplements or lifestyle modifications for insomnia, and which can make insomnia worse?

Fish Oil for Muscle Strength?

September 30, 2022
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Does supplementing with high-dose fish oil improve muscle strength or endurance in older women and men? Find out what a recent study showed in the Muscle, Strength and Falls section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see our article about supplements to consider using when exercising (and ones to avoid).

Fish Oil & Irregular Heart Rhythm

September 07, 2022
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Is fish oil supplementation linked with irregular heart rhythm (i.e., atrial fibrillation)? Find out what a recent study showed in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Fish Oil + Statins for "Bad" Cholesterol

September 07, 2022
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Does adding high-dose fish oil to statin therapy help reduce "bad" cholesterol? Find out what a recent study showed in the Taking with statins section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Toxin in Fish Oil Supplements?

September 02, 2022
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Should you be concerned about toxic PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in fish oil supplements? Find out what a recent study suggests in the Contaminants in Fish vs. Supplements section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see our CL Answer about PFAS.

Fish Oil for High Cholesterol, Depression

August 30, 2022
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Separate studies looked at whether or not taking fish oil can lower high cholesterol levels or reduce depression. See the details in our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

If you take a statin, read about the pros and cons of taking fish oil with statins.

Also see our article that discusses other supplements for high cholesterol.

Microplastics in Fish Oil?

August 16, 2022
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A CL member asked if they should be concerned about microplastics in fish oil supplements. Find out in our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Add Omega-3s to Statins?

July 15, 2022
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Does adding omega-3 fatty acids to statin therapy reduce the risk of heart attack or death in people with high triglycerides? Find out what a recent study showed in the Use With Statins section of our Omega-3 Supplements Review.

Does DHA Lower Alzheimer's Risk?

July 12, 2022
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Older people with high levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA were found to have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a recent analysis. Does this mean that older people should be supplementing with DHA or fish or other marine oils? Find out in the Alzheimer's Disease section of our Fish and Marine Oil Supplements Review.

Fish Oil For Dry Eye?

June 14, 2022
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Can taking fish oil reduce dry eye in older men and women? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see our CL Answer about Supplements for Dry Eye.

Supplements Reduce Invasive Cancer Risk

May 17, 2022
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Supplementing with vitamin D and omega-3 reduced the risk of invasive cancer in older men and women, according to a recent analysis. Adding resistance exercise further decreased this risk. Get the details in our Vitamin D Supplements and Fish and Marine Oil Supplements Reviews. 

Krill Oil & Muscle Strength

April 26, 2022
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Supplementing with krill appeared to improve muscle strength in older men and women in a recent study. See the Muscle, Strength and Falls section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review for details.

Fish Oil for Heart Failure?

April 05, 2022
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Can fish oil reduce the risk of being hospitalized due to heart failure? See what a major study found in the Heart Disease and Stroke section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil for Mild Cognitive Impairment?

April 05, 2022
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Can supplementing with DHA-rich fish oil help people with mild cognitive impairment? Find out what a recent study showed in our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

Fish Oil: Cognitive Benefit in Healthy People?

March 22, 2022
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Does fish oil supplementation improve cognition in healthy people? See what a recent study showed in the Memory Enhancement in Healthy Individuals section of our Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

Fish Oil and Heart Failure Risk?

March 15, 2022
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Can supplementing with fish oil reduce cardiovascular risk factors in people at high risk for heart failure? Find out what a recent study showed in the Heart Attack and Stroke section of our Fish and Marine Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

Fish Oil for Fatty Liver?

February 18, 2022
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Can fish oil supplementation help reduce liver fat and fibrosis in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)? Find out what a recent study suggests in the Liver Disease section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Also see our article about Supplements for Fatty Liver Disease.

Omega-3s for Fall Prevention?

February 11, 2022
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Can omega-3 supplementation help reduce falls in older men and women? See what a study found in the Muscle, Strength and Falls section of our Fish Oil/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

Krill Omega-3s to Lower Triglycerides?

January 17, 2022
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Does taking krill-based omega-3s help lower high triglycerides? Find out what a recent analysis showed in the Krill oil section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for krill oil.

Fish Oil to Prevent Depression?

December 27, 2021
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Does fish oil prevent depression? Find out what a recent study found in the Depression section of our Fish Oil and Omega-3 Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

For information about other supplements promoted for depression, see our answer to the question: What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?

Fish Oil for Dry Eye?

December 13, 2021
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Does supplementing with fish oil, alone or in combination with other oils, improve symptoms of dry eye? See the results of the latest study in the What It Does section of our Fish and Marine Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

Fish Oil for COVID?

November 17, 2021
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Does taking concentrated fish oil reduce hospitalizations or deaths in people with COVID? Find out what a study showed in the COVID section of our Fish and Marine Oil Supplements Review.

Trout for Omega-3s?

October 25, 2021
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Is trout a good alternative to tuna or salmon as a source of omega-3 fatty acids? It depends on the type of trout. Get the details in the Getting EPA and DHA from Food section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements and canned fish.

Caveat With Prescription Fish Oil Study

August 30, 2021
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Some of the cardiovascular benefit reported for a prescription fish oil may have actually been due to a problem with the placebo to which it was compared, according to new research. Get the details in the Prescription Fish Oil vs Supplements section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

Omega-7s for Muscle Pain?

August 20, 2021
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Can supplementation with omega-7 fatty acids (from fish oil) reduce muscle pain or inflammation in the body? See what a new study found, and learn if omega-7s have other benefits in the omega-7 section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see how much omega-7 we found in popular fish oil products.

Statins Plus Fish Oil?

July 30, 2021
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Can taking high-dose omega-3s decrease triglyceride levels in people taking a statin drug? See what a new study found in the Taking With Statins section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements, including highly concentrated products.

Fish Oil and Colon Cancer

July 26, 2021
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Does fish oil supplementation decrease the risk of abnormal colorectal growths or other changes associated with colorectal cancer? See what a new study found in the Cancer section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

What Is Omega-10?

July 26, 2021
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What is an "omega-10" supplement and are these products better than omega-3 fatty acid supplements such as fish oil? Find out in our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Fish Oil and Fatty Liver Disease?

July 16, 2021
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Can taking fish oil over a lifetime increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Fish Oil for Migraine?

July 06, 2021
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Can the risk of migraine headache be reduced by increasing intake of omega-3 oils from fish? Find out what a recent study showed in the Migraine Headache section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among canned tuna, salmon and sardines.

DHA & Preterm Birth

June 21, 2021
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Can the risk of preterm birth be reduced when pregnant women supplement with an the omega-3 fatty acid? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements, including prenatal products.

Fish Oil Interaction With Medication

May 17, 2021
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High-dose fish oil can significantly increase blood levels of certain immunosuppressants, according to new research. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes information about other drug interactions with fish oil.

Fish Oil for Memory?

April 03, 2021
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Can taking high-dose fish oil improve memory and cognitive function in older people with coronary artery disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Age-related Cognitive Decline section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

Which Form of Fish Oil Is Best Absorbed

February 12, 2021
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The amount of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that you absorb when taking fish oil depends on the form of oil and/or when you take it. A new study suggests that a certain form is better absorbed than others. Get the facts in the Forms of Fish Oil section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

High-Dose Fish Oil for COVID?

December 15, 2020
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A two-week course of high-dose, high-concentration fish oil was reported to reduce inflammation and symptoms in COVID patients in a preliminary study. See the details in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements.

Omega-7s to Lower Cholesterol?

December 15, 2020
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Can taking sea buckthorn, a source of omega-7 fatty acids, lower cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels? Find out what a recent study found in the Omega-7 Fatty Acids section of our Fish Oil Review. Also, see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

Fish Oil & Testosterone?

December 01, 2020
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Can fish oil supplementation increase testosterone levels in men? Find out what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our recent Top Picks for fish oil.

Heart Risk With Fish Oil

November 17, 2020
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Last week we reported on an increased risk of a serious heart problem with use of prescription fish oil. This week, a study suggested a similar issue with even a lower dose of non-prescription fish oil. See the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among fish oils.

High-Dose Fish Oil Concern

November 14, 2020
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A major study showed an increased risk of a serious heart condition with high-dose fish oil. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among omega-3 oils.

Fish Oil for Liver Disease?

November 05, 2020
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Does taking fish oil help people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)? Find out what a recent study suggested in the What It Does section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil & Vitamin D for Macular Degeneration?

October 30, 2020
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Can taking fish oil and vitamin D reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? See what a large study found in the Eye Disease section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see the Vision Supplements Review for our tests of vision supplements, including those that most closely resemble the AREDS2 formula and our Top Picks among products.

Best Absorbed Form of Fish Oil?

October 05, 2020
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Which form of fish oil is best absorbed? Find out what two recent studies showed in comparing triglyceride, ethyl ester, and monoacylglyceride forms of fish oil in the Forms of Fish Oil section of Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Algal Oil for Attention?

October 01, 2020
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Does algal oil high in DHA improve memory and attention in children? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of Fish and Marine Oil Supplements Review. Also learn about fish oil for enhancing memory in older people and those with age-related cognitive decline, and see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil for Menopause?

September 24, 2020
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Can taking fish oil reduce symptoms of menopause? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, and see our Top Picks for fish oil. Also see our Menopause Supplements Review for information about other supplements for menopause.

Fish Oil and Eye Bleeding

September 21, 2020
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Can high-dose fish oil increase the risk of bleeding in the eye? Get the details of a recently reported case in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Fish Oil Supplements review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil During Pregnancy

September 11, 2020
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Does taking fish oil during pregnancy lead to cognitive benefits in children? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil Slows Atherosclerosis

August 31, 2020
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A highly-concentrated prescription fish oil was shown to significantly reduce the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in people with high triglycerides, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Prescription Fish Oil vs. Supplements section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil for Arthritis?

July 27, 2020
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Fish oil has shown modest benefits in rheumatoid arthritis, but can it help with osteoarthritis -- inflammation due to worn joints? Find out what a recently published study showed in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Omega-3s and the Brain

July 20, 2020
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To raise levels of DHA and EPA in the brain, large doses are needed according to a recent study. Even larger doses are needed by people with a gene associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's. While the study did not show an effect on people's cognitive scores, it may help explain why some studies with fish oil show little effect. For details, see the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oils.

Fish Oil for Improved Insulin Sensitivity?

June 22, 2020
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Fish oil was given for three months to people with decreased sensitivity to insulin. Did it improve insulin sensitivity? Find out in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

Benefit of Eating Fish

June 13, 2020
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Increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids through greater fish intake was shown to provide some cognitive improvements to children according to a recent study. For details, see the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil and Top Picks for canned tuna and salmon (good sources of omega-3s).

Generic Fish Oil Approved

May 22, 2020
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The first generic version of icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) was recently approved by the FDA. But don't expect it on the market soon. See the details in the prescription omega-3s section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes comparisons with fish oil supplements. Also see our Top Picks for fish oils, including highly concentrated versions.

Does Fish Oil or Curcumin Increase Brain Blood Flow?

May 01, 2020
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A study among people ages 50 to 80 evaluated the effects of fish oil and curcumin on blood flow to the brain and on other aspects of cardiovascular function. See the results in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review and the Curcumin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil and curcumin.

A Food to Slow Cognitive Decline?

April 13, 2020
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Adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment in a major new study, but only one food within that diet -- fish -- was also linked to slower loss of cognitive function. Find out how many servings of fish had the greatest impact in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see if fish oil supplements help and see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Also see our Top Picks for canned tuna and salmon.

EPA vs. DHA from Fish Oil

March 17, 2020
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Some marine-based oils are higher in either EPA or DHA — key omega-3 fatty acids -- but does it matter? See what a recent study found in the What to Consider When Buying section of the Fish and Marine Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish and marine oils.

Fish Oil and Heart Disease

March 06, 2020
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Many studies have assessed the potential benefits of taking fish oil supplements. Results have been conflicting, but one of the largest and longest-term studies was recently published. See what it found in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our general recommendations for using fish oil for heart health and check out our Top Picks for fish oil supplements.

Fish Oil for Diabetes?

February 10, 2020
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There is mixed evidence as to whether fish oil helps people who have diabetes. Get the details, including those of a new study, in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Avoid Quality Problems With Fish Oil

February 06, 2020
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Nearly half of 17 popular fish oil supplements tested in a recently published study did not meet at least one of the quality criteria for freshness or content. Interestingly, two that passed testing were Approved by ConsumerLab, but none that failed were CL Approved. For details, see the Quality Concerns section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish and marine oils.

Fish Oil & Fertility

January 20, 2020
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Is there a relationship between taking fish oil and sperm count? See what a recent study in men found in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oils Not Equal on Cardio Benefit

January 17, 2020
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High-dose, highly-concentrated fish oil is known to lower triglycerides in people with elevated levels. One prescription product was even shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular events in such people. However, a clinical trial of another fish oil was recently stopped due to its low likelihood of providing this benefit. Learn how these products differ and how fish oil supplements compare to them in the Prescription Fish Oil vs. Supplements section of the Fish Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil and other marine omega-3 supplements.

Fish Oil Approved for Elevated Triglycerides

December 16, 2019
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A highly concentrated fish oil that was originally approved only for treating very high triglycerides has been further approved by the FDA to treat lower, but still elevated, triglycerides if cardiovascular risk factors are present. For details see the Prescription Fish Oil vs. Supplements section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oils, including highly concentrated fish oil.

Fish Oil for ADHD?

December 16, 2019
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Evidence is emerging that some ADHD patients may derive limited benefits from supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids. Get the details in the ADHD section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil & Colon Cancer

November 25, 2019
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There is new evidence that taking fish oil may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer for certain people. For details see the Cancer section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements and other marine sources of omega-3s.

Fish Oil Can Reduce Cognitive Decline

November 18, 2019
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Another study has shown that supplementing with high-dose omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can reduce cognitive decline in certain people. For details, see the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oils.

Fish Oil Plus Statins for High Triglycerides

November 14, 2019
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This week an FDA panel recommended that a prescription fish oil be approved for use with statins in people with high triglycerides. Get the details and see how fish oil supplements compare in the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

How to Use Fish Oil for Depression

October 17, 2019
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Guidelines have been published for using fish oil to treat major depressive disorder. For details, see the Depression section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Fish Oil to Improve Cognition?

October 07, 2019
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See the results of the most recent study of fish oil to improve memory and cognition in the Memory Enhancement section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Omega-3s for Cognition?

September 16, 2019
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Several studies have attempted to boost cognition and memory in healthy people using omega-3 supplements from fish or krill oil. Find out if they succeeded, including a recent study among adolescents, in the Memory Enhancement in Healthy Individuals section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.

Fish Oil in Pregnancy?

September 16, 2019
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Several studies have evaluated the effects of taking fish oil during pregnancy, including a recent study seeking a reduction in premature births. Find out if fish oil helps in the During Pregnancy: Effects on Children section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Best Supplement for Depression

September 09, 2019
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Which supplement has the strongest evidence of benefit for treating mental disorders? The answer is a particular form of fish oil to treat depression, according to a new analysis. For details, see the Depression section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.

Omega-3s for Lowering Triglycerides

August 20, 2019
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Elevated triglycerides ("hypertriglyceridemia") is increasingly common in the US. High-dose omega-3s from fish oil can help, and the American Heart Association recently updated its advice about this. For details, and to learn how prescription omega-3 compares to supplements, see the Dosage section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oils, including highly concentrated fish oils.

Adding Fish Oil to Statins?

July 01, 2019
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Does adding high-dose fish oil help reduce triglycerides in people who already take statins? See the results of a new study in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oils.

Fish Oil Heart Claim

June 28, 2019
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You'll start seeing a new heart health claim on fish oil supplements as well as foods that provide the omega-3's EPA and DHA. While legal, the claim is a bit fishy. Get the details in the Fish Oil Supplements Review as well as the Canned Tuna and Salmon Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements and canned fish.

Fish Oil for Heart Failure?

June 17, 2019
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Can taking fish oil improve heart function in people with chronic heart failure? See the results of a recent study (and find out what type of fish oil was used) in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oils.

Statins Plus Fish Oil?

May 06, 2019
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Does high-dose fish oil provide additional coronary benefit to people already taking a statin drug? Find out in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oils.

Fish Oil During Pregnancy

April 22, 2019
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Does taking fish oil during pregnancy yield children with higher IQs? Find out what studies are showing in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Powerful Combination for Alzheimer's

April 08, 2019
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Fish oil can help people with Alzheimer's disease but, as a new study suggests, only when they are getting enough of another nutrient. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.

Prescription Fish Oil Lowers Heart Attack Risk

March 18, 2019
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A prescription fish oil was found to lower the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke by 30% in people at high risk. For details, see the Prescription Fish Oil vs. Supplements section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements.

Bioengineered Salmon Approved

March 11, 2019
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As of this month, genetically engineered salmon can be legally sold in the U.S. Learn how it compares to other salmon in terms of EPA and DHA in the Farmed vs. Wild Salmon section of our Fish Oil Review. (Also see the results of our tests of canned fish in the separate Canned Tuna and Canned Salmon Review.)

Fish Oil for Asthma?

January 25, 2019
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Can high-dose fish oil help people with asthma? See what a study recently found in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.

Maintaining Muscle With Fish Oil?

January 11, 2019
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Can taking fish oil prevent muscle loss when a limb is immobilized, such as in a brace? Find out what a recent study showed in the "Strength and Muscle" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.)

Fish Oil Bleeding Risk?

December 08, 2018
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Does taking fish oil increase the risk of bleeding? See the latest evidence in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among fish oils).

Better Absorbed Fish Oil?

November 24, 2018
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A specially formulated fish oil was shown to be absorbed better than regular fish oil. A closer look at the study, however, suggests that this benefit may be limited. Learn more, as well as how you can maximize fish oil absorption, in the How to Take section of the Fish & Marine Oil Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements.)

High EPA Fish Oil Lowers Cardiovascular Risk for Some

November 10, 2018
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Taking high-dose, high-EPA fish oil (Vascepa) was found lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 25% among people with elevated triglycerides in a major new study. Get the details in the What It Does section of the new Fish Oil Review. (Also see how fish oil supplements compare to Vascepa.)

Mixed Results for EPA/DHA Fish Oil

November 10, 2018
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Concentrated EPA/DHA fish oil given daily to a cross-section of Americans was not found to lower the risk of cancer or cardiovascular disease except for those with low fish intake and for African-Americans. See the details in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see which supplements are comparable to the fish oil in the study.

DHA for Toddlers?

October 26, 2018
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Does giving the omega-3 fatty acid DHA to 1-year-olds born pre-term lead to improvements in cognitive development? Find out in the recent update to the What It Does section of the Fish Oil & Omega-3 Supplements Review -- and learn whether DHA use by pregnant women yields benefits for their children. (Also see our Top Picks for DHA.)

Omega-3s & Healthy Aging

October 19, 2018
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Do higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids (as obtained from fish and/or fish oil) correlate with healthier aging? See what a new study found in our updates to the Fish Oil Supplements Review and the Canned Tuna and Salmon Review.

Fish Oil Drug May Help

September 24, 2018
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High doses of fish oil highly-concentrated in EPA and/or DHA are known to lower elevated triglycerides. But can they reduce the risk of cardiac events, such as heart attack? Preliminary results from a new study suggest that one product can — at least in certain people. Get the details in the Prescription Fish Oil vs. Supplements section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.)

Anxiety and Fish Oil

September 13, 2018
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An analysis of clinical trials with fish oil looked at whether supplementation was associated with decreased anxiety. See the results in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among fish oil and other omega-3 supplements.)

Fish Oil & Diabetes

September 03, 2018
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In a major study, fish oil was given to people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for several years to see if it would reduce serious cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and stroke. Find out what happened in the Heart Attack and Stroke section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.)

Dry Eye, Fish Oil and Contact Lenses

July 27, 2018
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Taking fish oil can help people with dry eye and it was recently studied for dry eye associated with wearing contact lenses. Find out what the recent study found and learn more about fish oil for dry eye in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil & Omega-3 Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.)

Fish Oil for Heart Health?

July 20, 2018
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Are fish oil supplements good for the heart? See what a review of over 70 clinical trials concluded in the Heart Attack and Stroke section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Supplements Review.

Also, learn what fish oil can or cannot do for other health conditions, such as arthritis, in the What It Does section of the review. (See our Top Picks among fish and marine oils.)

Fish Oil for Depression?

July 12, 2018
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Several studies have evaluated omega-3 fatty acids to decrease the severity of depression. Find out if it works in the Depression section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.)

Krill Oil for Strength?

June 04, 2018
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Evidence from several studies suggests that fish oil can help modestly improve muscular strength and/or endurance and enhance the effects of training. A recent study investigated whether krill oil can do the same. See the results in the What It Does section of the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Fish, Krill, and Algal Oils). Also see our Top Picks among products in this category.

Eat Fish for Heart Health

May 21, 2018
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The American Heart Association recently affirmed that eating fish may help to reduce the risk of cardiac death, coronary heart disease, and ischemic stroke. However, the same cannot be said for fish oil supplements. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also, stay tuned: ConsumerLab is currently testing popular brands of canned tuna and salmon to assess their purity and levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish Oil for Joints

May 14, 2018
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See what happened when high-dose fish oil was given for a year to older men and women in the Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Diseases section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oils and other omega-3 supplements.

Fish Oil for Cognition?

April 20, 2018
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Does giving older people a high dose of fish oil help them with memory and thinking? A recent study helped answer this question. Get the answer and details in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Fish Oil for Dry Eye?

April 13, 2018
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A major study evaluated the effects of supplementing with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in people with dry eye. Get the results and details in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements).

Fish Oil for Ulcerative Colitis

February 12, 2018
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A special formulation of high-dose fish oil was found to help people with ulcerative colitis remain in remission in a placebo-controlled study. It also reduced levels of a key marker of inflammation. For details, see the Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Diseases section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review.

Disheartening Fish Oil News

February 02, 2018
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Another report was published this week showing no cardiovascular benefit from fish oil supplementation. You can get the details in the Heart Attack and Stroke section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Fish oil may provide cardiovascular benefit in limited situations, as explained in the Review.

A Reason to Take Fish Oil With Statins?

January 22, 2018
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It's well known that high-dose fish oil can lower elevated triglycerides. But can it help people already on a statin drug? A recent clinical trial answered this question. Get the details, including the dose of fish oil used, in the "Heart Attack and Stroke section of the Fish Oil Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products.)

Can Fish Oil Help Statins?

December 19, 2017
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Adding fish oil to cholesterol-lowering statin therapy was found to provide added benefit in certain situations. See the details, including dosage of EPA and DHA, in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review > (Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements).

Fish Oil for Stress?

December 04, 2017
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A recent study investigated whether taking fish oil rich in the omega-3 fatty acid EPA would reduce chronic stress. See the results in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil for Focus in Kids?

October 30, 2017
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Fish oil supplementation was shown to improve executive functioning in children, according to a study that focused on children with mood disorders. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements Review >> [Also see our Top Picks for fish oil supplements in the Review.]

Fish Oil for Endurance

July 28, 2017
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High-dose fish oil may help to increase exercise endurance, according to a new study, adding to evidence of other beneficial effects of fish oil on muscle mass and strength. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

Fish Oil for Depression

July 18, 2017
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A number of studies have reported on whether taking fish oil can help with depression. The most recent study found a benefit using an amount and type of fish oil generally in-line with what other studies suggest works best. See the details in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Review. The Review includes our tests, comparisons, and Top Picks for products.

Fat Fish vs. Lean Fish

July 11, 2017
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If you are trying to control your blood sugar, it turns out that your choice of fish can make a difference. Learn more in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. The review includes our Top Picks among omega-3 supplements.

Spoiled Fish Oil Is Less Effective

June 06, 2017
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Spoiled fish oil does not lower LDL "bad" cholesterol, while the same amount of non-spoiled fish oil does, according to a new study. If you take fish oil to improve your cholesterol levels, it would seem best to use a product that is not spoiled — something ConsumerLab tests for. (It may also be best to choose an oil in the triglyceride form, rather than the ethyl ester form). For details, see the "Quality Concerns" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oils.

Omega-3s for Age-Related Cognitive Decline?

April 07, 2017
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A recent study found DHA and EPA from fish oil did not slow cogntive decline in older adults with cognitive difficulties. However, other studies suggest there may be a benefit if taken before the onset of cognitive decline or dementia. For details, see the "Age-Related Cognitive Decline" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

DHA to Boost Children's IQ?

March 25, 2017
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Supplementing with DHA during pregnancy has been touted as a way to increase the IQ of offspring, but results published this week seem to quash that hope. However, there may be other benefits, particularly for women with normally low intake of DHA, as discussed in the section "During Pregnancy: Effects on Children" in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

DHA for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

March 24, 2017
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A new study tested DHA from microalgae as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. The results are mixed. For details, see the "Rheumatoid Arthritis" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Supplements Review >>

When Does Fish Oil Help the Heart?

March 13, 2017
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There are new recommendations on the use of fish oil supplements with regard to preventing heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. More about these recommendations and other uses of fish oil are found in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

Omega-3s for Arthritis

January 30, 2017
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A review of twenty-two clinical studies using omega-3 fatty acid supplements from various marine sources (fish oil, mussel oil, etc.) found they could be effective in reducing rheumatoid arthritis pain, particularly when the oils had a certain ratio of EPA to DHA. The oils were not effective for osteoarthritis. For more details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

Omega-3s for Cognitive Decline

January 27, 2017
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Daily supplementation with the omega-3s DHA and EPA modestly improved cognitive function in older men and women with mild cognitive decline. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

Fish Oil and Bleeding Risk

January 19, 2017
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A recently reported tragic case highlights the concern over taking fish oil when on a blood-thinning medication. For more information, see the "Cautions and Concerns" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

Fish Oil for Migraine

January 13, 2017
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Although the evidence to-date has been mixed on whether taking fish oil reduces migraine headaches, a recent placebo-controlled study showed a significant benefit for fish oil when taken along with a prescription medication. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Reducing Asthma Risk in Children With Fish Oil

January 02, 2017
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A major new study showed that giving fish oil to pregnant women reduces the risk of asthma and wheezing in their offspring. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Supplement vs. Prescription Fish Oil?

January 01, 2017
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As we have written before, by choosing an extremely concentrated fish oil supplement, you can get essentially the same type of fish oil as you would get from a prescription fish oil. But according to a recent study, fish oil supplements are more likely to be rancid (oxidized) than prescription fish oil. However, a closer look at the study by ConsumerLab staff suggests that this finding may be misleading, as explained in the "Quality Concerns" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil for Psychosis?

November 28, 2016
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no added benefit from giving fish oil in conjunction with other psychiatric therapy. For details, including dosage, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil for Strength?

November 18, 2016
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A daily dose of fish oil increased strength in women who did resistance exercise, but not in men, according to a new study. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Omega-3s Drop in Farmed Salmon

October 07, 2016
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Farmed salmon has historically provided more omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) than wild salmon. But new research shows this is changing, as discussed in the "Farmed vs. Wild Salmon" section of the Fish Oil Review >>

Omega-3 and -6 Improves Reading Skills in Children

September 19, 2016
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A combination of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA plus an omega-6 fatty acid improved reading skills and comprehension in school-age children. For details, including dose, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 and -7 Supplements Review >>

Omega-3s and Diabetic Eye Disease

August 22, 2016
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Getting the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from eating fish is associated with a much lower risk of developing sight-threatening retinopathy in diabetics, according to a recently published study. The same benefit has been shown in non-diabetics. But do omega-3 supplements help? Find out in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil Helps After Heart Attack

August 01, 2016
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High-dose fish oil supplementation improved the heart's ability to pump blood in people recovering from a heart attack, a recent study found. Get the details in the "What It Does" section in our Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Fish Intake During Pregnancy Increases Child's IQ

July 15, 2016
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Consuming fish during pregnancy is associated with increased IQ in children, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Fish Oil and Omega-Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil & Antidepressants

May 09, 2016
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Several studies suggest that fish oil can help people suffering from major depression. A new study indicates that it can have additive benefit for people already taking a prescription antidepressant. The amount and type of omega-3's seem to make a difference. Get the details in the "What It Does Section" of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

How Fish Oil May Help With Depression

April 15, 2016
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Studies have shown that fish oil can help some people suffering from major depression. A recent study suggests how it may work. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil and Blood Pressure

February 15, 2016
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As explained in our Fish Oil Review, fish oil supplements may not provide overall cardiovascular benefits — eating fish is better. However, a recent analysis found that a certain kind of fish oil may help people with high systolic blood pressure. For details, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements Review >>

Sale of GMO Salmon Halted

February 09, 2016
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Although genetically engineered salmon has been approved for sale by the FDA, the agency recently announced sale of the salmon will not be permitted just yet. Get the details in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil Helps in Schizophrenia

January 25, 2016
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A study found that concentrated fish oil greatly reduced symptoms in more people who had recently experienced a first episode of schizophrenia than did a placebo. The greatest effect was on depressive symptoms, which is consistent with other studies which have shown fish oil to reduce depression, particularly in people who do not regularly eat fish.

This impact on depression has also been suggested as one reason why fish oil has shown some benefit in people with cognitive decline. Details about the studies and products used, including our tests and reviews of similar fish oil supplements, are found in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Omega-3's and Cognition

January 16, 2016
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Studies in older individuals have shown that omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish oil may improve certain areas of mental functioning and reduce age-related cognitive decline. Benefits have also been found in younger individuals.

A study has been underway which evaluates the effects of krill oil in adolescents with lower educational performance. It was recently reported that baseline testing (before starting krill) of the students showed a positive association between levels of EPA + DHA in their blood and performance on some, but not all, measures of cognitive performance. Get the details in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>

Genetically-engineered Salmon: How it Compares

November 20, 2015
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This week the FDA approved a genetically-engineered, farmed salmon as safe for consumption — but how do amounts of omega-3's and hormones compare with non-genetically engineered salmon? Get the details in the update to the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>

Fish Oil Freshness

November 10, 2015
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50% of omega-3 fatty acid supplements recently purchased by researchers in Canada failed tests for freshness, exceeding limits for oxidation. Although the study raises some important issues, it also had significant shortcomings. Get the details in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>

Fish Oil for Depression

October 02, 2015
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A small study found that taking EPA and DHA daily significantly reduced depression in young men and women. Get the details, including dosage, plus our tests of popular products, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Supplements Review >>

Does Fish Oil Slow Cognitive Decline?

August 28, 2015
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Results of a large U.S. study suggest that taking fish oil does not slow cognitive decline in the elderly. Before you nix fish oil for this purpose, be aware of an important caveat about the people in the study. Get the details about this and other studies of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as our tests of popular products, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil and Alzheimer's Disease

July 03, 2015
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The evidence is mixed on whether fish oil can help people with Alzheimer's disease. A benefit was seen in a study reported last year, but a recently reported study found no benefit with fish oil combined with antioxidants. More details are found in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Problem with Too Much Krill Oil

June 23, 2015
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Researchers recently gave overweight men a very large daily amount of krill oil (with a smaller amount of fish oil) with the hope it would improve their insulin sensitivity. Unfortunately, the opposite happened, suggesting that the oil could increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Details about the study, including dosage, are found in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>

Fish Oil for Dry Eye

June 23, 2015
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A large study of computer-using young men and women experiencing dry eye found that fish oil significantly improved symptoms. Benefits have also been reported in postmenopausal women with dry eye. Details, including dosage, are found in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil Increases Muscle/Strength

May 23, 2015
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Last week we reported that vitamin D could help increase strength -- this week it's fish oil. A recent study found that taking a high dose of fish oil led to increases in muscle and strength in older individuals -- without additional exercise. As reported earlier, a lower of dose of fish oil may improve results of exercise. For the details, including specifics about the fish oil used, see the Fish Oil Supplements Review >> 

Treating ADHD with Omega-3s?

May 12, 2015
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A new study giving boys omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) showed modest improvement in an important aspect of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. For details about this and other studies with omega-3 fatty acid supplements, as well as our tests of products, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Fish Intake and Breast Cancer Risk

May 12, 2015
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Women with breast cancer who consumed the most fish had a lower risk of death compared to women who did not eat fish, a new study reports. Get the details, plus evidence for the use of fish oil supplements to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer, and our tests of popular products in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements Review >>

Avoid Fish Oil When Getting Chemotherapy

April 07, 2015
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A series of studies in mice and people suggest that fish oil from supplements, and consumed from certain fish, can interfere with chemotherapy. More details are in the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>

Green Lipped Mussel Oil Reduces Pain and Inflammation After Exercise

March 05, 2015
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Green-lipped mussel oil (a source of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) significantly reduced pain and inflammation days after exercise in young healthy men, compared to a placebo, according to a new study. For details, and ConsumerLab.com tests of the product used in the study, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >> 

Lower-dose Fish Oil Helps with Epilepsy

September 23, 2014
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A small, but well-controlled study of people with drug-resistant epilepsy found that a modest dose of fish oil significantly reduced the frequency of seizures while a higher dose did not. The researchers note a possible explanation why the lower dose was more effective than the higher dose. Find out the details, including the dose and exact type of fish oil used, in the update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review >> 

Fish Oil May Prevent Cognitive Decline

July 15, 2014
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A study of older individuals found that cognitive function and brain volume (size) were better preserved among those who reported using fish oil supplements than those who did not. The effect, however, was only seen in certain groups of people. For more about the study, and our tests and comparisons of fish oil supplements, see the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >> 

DHA for Periodontitis (Inflammation Around Teeth)

July 15, 2014
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A new study found that giving DHA (from algal oil) along with low-dose aspirin led to greater reductions in local inflammation and pocketing around teeth than aspirin plus placebo. For more about the study, including dosage, and our tests and comparisons of algal oil supplements, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >> 

Don't Be Fooled by "Good Source of Omega-3s" Claim

July 09, 2014
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Over the years, ConsumerLab.com has pointed out that products sometimes claim to provide a percentage of the Daily Value (DV) of omega-3 or -6 fatty acids, even though no such Daily Value has been established. Now, the FDA has prohibited certain related statements on omega-3 supplement and food labels that could mislead consumers into thinking a product provides some percentage of this imaginary amount. Get the details, including what to watch out for on labels, plus our tests of fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acid supplements, in the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >> 

Fish Oil May Reduce Risk of Blood Clots

June 06, 2014
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A study of more than 20,000 people found that those who ate fish several times per week had a reduced risk of venous blood clots, and that getting additional fish oil from supplements reduced the risk even further. Get the details, including our tests of fish oil and other omega-3 supplements in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>   

Help for Acne from Omega-3 & -6 Oils

June 06, 2014
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A small clinical study found daily supplementation with either omega-3 fatty acids or an omega-6 fatty acid from borage oil significantly reduced the number and severity of acne outbreaks. Get the details, including dosage, and our tests of supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >> and the Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose, Borage and Seed Oil Supplements Review >> 

Does Fish Oil Help During Pregnancy?

May 02, 2014
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A recent study shows that, at age 4, children born to women given DHA-rich fish oil during pregnancy do not fare better cognitively than other children. Other positive effects around the time of birth, however, suggest that supplementation may be worthwhile. For details, as well as our tests of fish oil supplements, see the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, Calamari, Green-lipped Mussel Oil) >>   

Fish Oil Lowers Blood Pressure

March 27, 2014
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Fatty acids from fish and fish oil may reduce blood pressure, particularly in those with high blood pressure, according to a recently published review. For details, information about other uses of fish oil, and our tests of fish oil supplements, see the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >> 

Fish Oil Study Finds No Heart Benefit

March 22, 2014
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Findings of a large study reported this week showed that a daily fish oil supplement did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in elderly people. So what's the bottom line for fish oil and heart disease? See the update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes the latest information about potential uses of fish oil and our tests of popular fish oil supplements. 

Fish Oil / Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Alzheimer's

January 30, 2014
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A new study found that fish oil and alpha-lipoic acid can slow cognitive and functional decline in people with Alzheimer's disease. Get the details in the Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review >>  and the Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements Review >>

Too Much Fish Oil May Cause Adverse Effects

November 02, 2013
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Recent animal studies using EPA and DHA from fish oil suggest that very high intakes may dampen immunity. Might you be getting too much? Find out in the update to the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review>>

Fish Oil and Arthritis

September 20, 2013
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A study of several thousand women found those who consumed at least a moderate of amount omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from fish in their diets had just half the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis over the course of the study than did women with lower intakes.  For details about the amount of omega-3's and fish consumption associated with preventing arthritis, other uses of omega-3's, and tests of fish/marine oil supplements, see the Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review>>

Fish Oil Linked to Prostate Cancer?

July 13, 2013
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Headlines this week about a study showing an association between the fatty acids in fish oil and the development of prostate cancer have stirred concerns about consuming fish and fish oil supplements. For details about this study and studies of other effects of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as test results and comparisons for 74 fish and other marine oil supplements, see the updated Fish/Marine Oil (Omega-3) Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil for Brain Function

July 06, 2013
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Healthy people, ages 50 to 75, given a specific fish oil supplement for 6 months experienced significant gains in their performance on visual tasks, reading, and verbal fluency in a recent placebo-controlled study. Brain scans also showed significant gains in the structure and volume of tissue in several areas of the brain. For details about the type and dose of fish oil taken, as well as test results and comparisons for 74 fish and other marine oil supplements, see the updated Fish/Marine Oil (Omega-3) Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil and Stress

June 15, 2013
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A new study shows that fish oil may slightly blunt some of the effects of mental stress. Get the details, plus our quality ratings of 74 supplements, in the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Fish Oil No Help for Heart Disease?

May 18, 2013
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A new study found that taking a fish oil supplement did not reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with multiple risk factors for heart disease. But this doesn't tell the whole story. Get the bottom line on fish oil for heart disease and test results for over 70 fish oil supplements, in the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Omega-3s Linked to Less Heart Disease and Longer Life

April 06, 2013
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A study among older individuals who did not use fish oil supplements showed that those with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood were far less likely to have a heart attack or arrhythmia and were 27% less likely to die during the 14-year study. The reserchers calculated how much EPA and DHA a person should consume to reach this higher blood level and noted that further increases yeild little additional benefit. Get the details, as well as how to get omega-3s from foods, in the updated Fish Oil Supplements Review »

What You Need to Know About Fish Oil

March 09, 2013
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Most fish oil in supplements is not natural, but is a semi-synthetic form. This affects how much you absorb and new research is revealing other differences. Time to throw out what you take, or switch brands? Probably not, but if you use fish oil, it's worth knowing about these differences. Get the details in the update to the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, and Calamari Oil) >>

Stroke and Fish Oil

November 17, 2012
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An analysis of 38 studies concluded that eating fish regularly is associated with fewer strokes, but fish oil supplements do not seem to help. Interestingly, the type of fish and how it is prepared seem to make all the difference. For details, including what fish oil supplements can or cannot do, see the updated Fish Oil & Marine Oil (Omega-3) Supplements Review. More >>

Fish Oil Helps Memory

October 27, 2012
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A small study of healthy young women and men found that those with the highest levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA in their red blood cells scored better on a memory test than those with lower levels. After six months of supplementation with a certain fish oil supplement, scores improved -- particularly among those whose DHA levels had been lowest. See the Fish Oil (Omega-3) Supplements Review for details about this study, the particular supplement used, what fish oil can and cannot do, and our quality ratings of products. More >>

What's the Best Omega-3 for Depression?

October 13, 2012
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Recent studies suggest the relative amounts of EPA and DHA in a supplement help determine whether or not it will improve symptoms of depression. Get the details, as well as our tests of 63 omega-3 supplements, in the updated Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review (Including Krill, Algae, and Calamari Oil)More >>

Fish Oil Benefit Questioned

September 15, 2012
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There are many potential benefits from supplementing with the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, but the most widely-touted benefits -- reducing the risks of heart disease and stroke -- are now in doubt. Read about the latest studies in the update to the Fish Oil (EPA & DHA) Supplements Review, which includes our product tests and quality ratings. More >>

Fish Oil for Strokes and Heart Attacks?

June 23, 2012
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A recent study with fish oil supplements found no reduction in strokes and heart attacks among people with diabetes and poor glucose control. Does this mean fish oil doesn't help with cardiovascular disease? Not necessarily. See the updated Fish Oil (Omega-3) Supplements ReviewMore >>

Heart Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements in Doubt

April 21, 2012
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A review of the latest studies finds no conclusive evidence that fish oil supplements help people hoping to prevent another heart attack or stroke. It also remains unclear if fish oil provides cardiovascular benefits for healthy individuals. Find out what people concerned about heart disease should do, the other potential benefits of fish oil supplements, and our tests of supplements on the market in the updated Fish Oil Supplements ReviewMore >>

Fish Oil Tested for Multiple Sclerosis

April 21, 2012
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Fish oil supplements are often taken by multiple sclerosis patients with the hope that omega-3 fatty acids can improve their condition, but a new study suggests fish oil supplements may not provide benefit. For details, including the dose used, see the updated information in the Fish Oil Supplements ReviewMore >>

Fish Oil During Pregnancy Reduces Allergy in Infants

February 04, 2012
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Last year we reported important findings from a study of fish oil given to pregnant women. A further analysis of that study shows another benefit of daily fish oil for pregnant women -- their babies have nearly a 40% lower risk of egg allergies. A lower risk of eczema was also found, although this association did not hold after adjusting the data for certain factors. See the update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes details on this study, the type and amount of fish oil taken, and our latest product tests.

Fish Oil for Strength

January 14, 2012
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A recent study of women in their 60's suggests that taking fish oil when strength-training leads to greater improvements in strength than training alone. Women who took fish oil were not only stronger but had a greater functional capacity, such as being able to rise faster from a chair. For the type and dose of fish oil taken, and more details, see the update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes the latest product tests.

Algal Oil vs. Fish Oil

December 19, 2011
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Fish get their omega-3's from algae and many people are now doing the same by taking algal oil, but how does it compare to fish oil? Experts recently reviewed studies of algal oil and concluded that it boosts ("good") cholesterol but it also increases LDL cholesterol -- which is often thought of as "bad" cholesterol. But there's more to the story. Get the details in the recently updated Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review, which includes our test results for algal, krill, and fish oil supplements.

Concern with Rancid Fish Oil

December 12, 2011
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As our tests have shown, some fish oils are spoiled by the time you buy them. Spoilage produces a variety of compounds. You can smell and taste some of these (if you take the oil directly by spoon, for example) but others you cannot. An expert panel recently reported on the safety of consuming rancid fish oil. See their conclusions in the Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review, which includes our test results.

Fish Oil's Impact on Cognitive Decline

October 03, 2011
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Cognitive decline may be a normal part of aging, but a new study suggests that high-dose fish oil particularly rich in DHA may provide some benefit. In people over age 65 with mild cognitive impairment, fish oil was associated with improved verbal skill. Perhaps as important, fish oil also reduced depressive symptoms, which can be a risk factor in the progression to dementia. Get the details, including how much DHA and EPA was used in the study, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement ReviewMore >>

Suicide and Omega-3

August 30, 2011
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A new study found the risk of suicide was 62% higher among people with low levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA in their blood as compared to those with higher levels. An update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review includes the details. More >>

Fish Oil and Anxiety

August 06, 2011
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A study using a specially concentrated fish oil supplement showed a 20% reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to placebo. An update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review includes the dose and type of fish oil used. More >>

DHA in Pregnancy

August 06, 2011
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The omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, is known to be important to fetal development and is recommended for pregnant woman. A new study suggests that DHA during pregnancy may reduce early colds in some infants. An update to the Fish Oil Supplements Review includes the dose and type of DHA used. More >>

Fish Oil Helps Treat Depression

May 21, 2011
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A recent study showed that fish oil taken daily was associated with a remission of depression in 41% of people taking the supplement. The patients were women in a nursing home setting. The dose given was fairly high but treatment was well tolerated. The amounts of EPA and DHA taken daily and more information are found in our Product Review of Fish Oil SupplementsMore >>

Did you hear that DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil) might raise the risk of prostate cancer?

May 08, 2011
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This was recently in the news. Higher levels of DHA in the blood were associated with increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. However, the findings do not mean that you should stop taking fish oil or eating fish. We talked with the researcher of this study and learned more. Get the facts in our Fish Oil Supplements ReviewMore >>

Fish Oil and the Eye

April 09, 2011
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A study of over 30,000 women showed that the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was reduced by up to 42% among those consuming the most fish and highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Find out the specific types and amounts of fish and the amounts of DHA and EPA associated with the greatest reductions in the risk of AMD. See the Fish Oil Supplements Review for more >>

Fish Oil Helps in Chemotherapy

March 08, 2011
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A recent study in lung cancer patients showed that those using fish oil supplementation during initial chemotherapy tended to maintain their muscle and total weight while those who did not lost 5 lbs of weight on average (2.2 lbs of which was muscle). See the Fish Oil (Omega-3) Product Review for more details, including the dosage used. More >>