Fish Oil
Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids (Omega-3s) are a type of fat that is essential for many organ systems in the body including your heart, brain, lungs, and many others. Your body doesn’t make Omega-3s but they can be found in many foods including certain types of fish. You should include Omega-3 rich foods in 5% to 10% of the calories in your diet.
If you think you’re not getting enough Omega-3s in your diet, you can take an oral supplement such as fish oil. You can find fish oil supplements in many different forms including liquid, gummies, and oral soft gel capsules at Walgreens in stores and online. If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, there are also flaxseed oil supplements that provide a different type of Omega-3s. You can also find combination supplements that include Omega 3, 6, and 9 as ingredients.
What is fish oil?
Fish oil is a substance obtained from the tissue of oily fish including tuna, mackerel, herring, salmon and cod. Fish oil contains the active ingredients eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are omega-3 fatty acids. Cod liver oil and krill oil supplements also offer these Omega-3 ingredients. However, cod liver oil may contain Vitamins A and D, which are fat-soluble vitamins that are needed in small dietary amounts and should not be consumed in excess. If you prefer a vegetarian source of Omega-3s similar to fish oil, algae oil supplements are offered at Walgreens in stores and online.
Fish oil is usually offered in doses of 1000 mg, 1200 mg, 2400 mg depending on how much your healthcare provider recommends for you. Ask your Walgreens pharmacist about which fish oil supplement may be appropriate for you in store or online in Pharmacy Chat.
What is fish oil good for?
Fish oil is a popular supplement that is most associated with heart health benefits including:
- Reducing triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood
- Reducing the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat
- Slowing plaque buildup in arteries, which decreases the risk of coronary artery disease
Additionally, Omega-3s from fish oil may also help improve other health conditions including:
- Cancer
- Depression
- Inflammation
- ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
- Dry eyes
- Age-related macular degeneration
Can you take fish oil pills daily?
Fish oil supplements may be taken daily by most people if they’re taken as directed by the package instructions or your healthcare provider. People with certain conditions or those who are taking certain medications should check with their healthcare provider before taking fish oil. You should only take higher doses of fish oil if directed by a healthcare provider.
Some people may experience an unpleasant taste in their mouth, heartburn or burping when taking fish oil supplements. However, these supplements are also offered in burp-less formulas and flavored capsules to help reduce unpleasant tastes and other minor gastric side effects. If you’re thinking about taking an Omega-3 supplement, your Walgreens pharmacist or healthcare provider can help you decide if a supplement is right for you and help you choose an appropriate type and dose.