- Manage lupus This serious auto-immune disease appears to improve somewhat in those who take fish oil supplements, probably because omega-3s reduce inflammation and also help to stop the immune system from overreacting.
- Ease menstrual pain Women who take omega-3s generally experience less cramping during their periods, probably because the supplements can lower levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that increase cramps and discomfort.
- Possibly prevent cancer There is some preliminary evidence that fish oils may help to prevent breast and colon cancers.
Facts about fish oils
- Omega-3s from non-fish sources don’t provide the same benefits as those found in fish oil or cod liver oil.
- Always store fish oil supplements in a fridge to stop them going rancid.
- The recommended dose of fish oil supplements is usually 3,000 to 5,000mg a day. You can avoid common side effects-bloating and flatulence, diarrhoea or a slightly fishy body odour – by dividing the dose into two or three smaller doses and taking them throughout the day. Or freeze the pills and take them with food. Or try switching brands.
- Some naturopaths advise getting your omega-3s from fish oils in the summer and cod liver oil in the winter, because cod liver oil is rich in vitamin D. (In summer, we get enough vitamin D through exposure to sunlight.) The advantage of cod liver oil is that taking a couple of teaspoons (10ml) a day is as beneficial as taking anything up to about 15 fish oil capsules a day. (Alert Pregnant women shouldn’t take cod liver oil as it is high in vitamin A.)
- Excess fish oil can interfere with blood clotting: don’t take more than 6,000mg a day. (Alert Consult a doctor before taking fish oil supplements if you take a blood thinner such as aspirin or have a bleeding disorder. If you have diabetes, limit your intake to 2,000mg a day as larger dose may raise blood sugar levels. Do not take fish oil if you are allergic to fish.)