Heart-Healthy Eating: Fish and Fish Oil
Overview
Fish is a lean protein source that contains omega-3 fatty acids. This type of fat can be part of a heart-healthy diet.
Fish oil supplements are another way to get omega-3 fatty acids. Research has not proved that fish oil is helpful for everyone. That's why doctors do not agree about whether these supplements can help protect your heart.footnote 1
If you have severely high triglycerides, your doctor may recommend you take fish oil to try to prevent a problem with your pancreas called pancreatitis.
References
Citations
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Abdelhamid AS, et al. (2020). Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3: CD003177. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003177.pub5. Accessed September 15, 2021
Credits
Current as of:
May 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Colleen O'Connor PhD, RD - Registered Dietitian
Kathleen M. Fairfield MD, MPH, DrPH - Internal Medicine
Current as of: May 9, 2022
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Colleen O'Connor PhD, RD - Registered Dietitian & Kathleen M. Fairfield MD, MPH, DrPH - Internal Medicine
Abdelhamid AS, et al. (2020). Omega-3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3: CD003177. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003177.pub5. Accessed September 15, 2021
