Fish oil supplements: good for some, bad for others
Lot’s of people have added fish oil supplements, or vitamins with DHA and EPA, to their diets. But the people at Consumer Reports took a look and now say they may not do everything that people think they do – and may cause harm in some cases.
They say the supplements are good for people with high levels of triglycerides, fat that can clog arteries. They also may be good for those with heart disease.
They do note that the DHA and EPA do not have to come from pills. Consumers can eat fatty fish such as salmon or lake trout twice a week – something that’s recommended for the general population.
Plenty of other people take the supplements for high blood pressure, menstrual cramps and rheumatoid arthritis, ADHD, asthma, osteoporosis, kidney disease and Raynaud’s syndrome, though there isn’t a ton of science to lean on for these.
Consumer Reports also warns away those with diabetes, at risk of bleeding or on aspirin, chemotherapy drugs or blood pressure medicine. Also, don’t take the supplements if you have fish allergies or have an implanted defibrillator.
The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that the supplements may counteract or enhance the strength of medications because DHA can lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels and EPA can increase bleeding time. So, talk to your doctor if you have a condition or are taking medications.
Baltimore Sun file photo






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