Triglycerides and Omega-3s
Triglycerides are a type of molecule that contains both fat and sugar. High triglyceride levels are
a risk factor for heart disease. High triglyceride levels also are related to diabetes, high blood
pressure, obesity, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and circulatory disease.
Omega-3s, called fatty acids, are a family of molecules. Specific types of omega-3 fatty acids are
within this family. The two most commonly known types are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
The benefits of omega-3s
Strongly supported research has shown that DHA and EPA together help to lower triglyceride
levels, as well as to lower blood pressure and help prevent secondary heart disease.
Sources of DHA and EPA
DHA and EPA are found in fatty, coldwater fish, such as:
 Bluefish
 Carp
 Catfish
 Halibut
 Herring
 Lake trout
 Mackerel
 Pompano
 Salmon
 Striped sea bass
 Tuna (albacore)
 Whitefish
The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. If you do not eat
fish at least twice a week, talk with your doctor about whether you should take a fish oil
supplement.
How much DHA and EPA to take
The American Heart Association recommends 1000 milligrams (mg) DHA + EPA daily for
people with known heart disease.
Example: The label indicates that one pill=120 mg DHA and 180 mg EPA. This is 300 mg total
DHA + EPA/pill. If you took three pills/day, that would equal 900 mg DHA + EPA, which is
close to the target of 1000 mg/day DHA + EPA.
Example: The label indicates that two pills=700 mg DHA and 500 mg EPA. This is 350 mg
DHA and 250 mg EPA/ pill. Taking two pills would equal 1200 DHA + EPA, which is adequate
for the day.
For people who need to lower their triglyceride levels, higher levels of DHA + EPA are
recommended. The American Heart Association recommends 2000-4000 mg DHA + EPA/day
for those with documented high triglyceride levels.
Caution: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers up to 3000 mg DHA + EPA
as safe. However, anyone taking more than 3000 mg DHA + EPA should do so only under the
direct supervision of a physician.
Choosing a fish oil supplement
First, look for a supplement that will provide the appropriate dose of DHA + EPA (see previous
section). It is also important to look for supplements that contain a balanced mixture of DHA +
EPA. Choose a mixture that is as close to 50% DHA, 50% EPA as possible. For example, a
supplement containing 160 mg DHA and 140 mg EPA is a good choice (55% DHA, 45% EPA).
A supplement containing 50 mg DHA and 250 mg EPA is not as good of a choice (15% DHA,
85% EPA).
It is also important to make sure the oil is coming from fish sources. Read the ingredient label to
find out where the oil is coming from.
Gastrointestinal side effects
The following suggestions may help to limit the gastrointestinal side effects of taking fish oil
supplements:
 Start taking fish oil supplements at a low dose, gradually increasing to the recommended dose
 Take fish oil supplements with meals
 Freeze fish oil capsules to help decrease gastrointestinal side effects (helpful for some people)
Mercury levels
Mercury accumulates in the meat of fish, but not as much in the oil. Therefore, fish oil
supplements generally do not contain mercury.
Who should not take fish oil supplements
You should always let your doctor(s) know all of the supplements you are taking, including
dosage information. Do not start taking fish oil supplements until you have talked with your
doctor(s).
Do not take fish oil supplements if you pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have:
 Fish allergy or hypersensitivity to fish
 Chronic low blood pressure
 Congestive heart failure
 Chronic recurrent angina
 Any conditions that indicate the heart is receiving insufficient blood flow
 High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
References
American Heart Association. Resources for healthcare professionals. Available at:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3052043. Accessed April 14, 2010.
MedlinePlus. Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-fishoil.html. Accessed April 15,
2010.
Contributed by Emily Workman, RD
Review Date 4/10
G-1320