Systemic Health Benefits of Fish Oil Beyond Heart Health

As far back as the 1970s, studies have shown cardiovascular benefits of fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids.^1-3

Omega-3s, however, have shown wide-ranging effects throughout the body.^4-6

In human studies, taking fish oil or omega-3s has:

• Been associated with improvements in aspects of metabolic health, including triglycerides and inflammatory markers, in diabetics,^7,8 and non-diabetics⁹
• Shown potential cognitive benefits, particularly in mild cognitive impairment,^10-12
• Lowered risk for heart disease and cardiac-related death.^13,14 and
• Reduced headaches,^15,16

A major observational study found that people with the highest blood levels of omega-3s lived almost two years longer than those with the lowest levels.¹⁷

Modern diets are often low in omega-3s.¹⁸ Oral intake of fish oil is a method to fill this dietary gap.

Why Are Omega-3s So Important?

Fish oil-derived omega-3 fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid),^19,20 are required for numerous biological functions.

Fatty acids are building blocks of all human cell membranes.²⁰ These structures are critical to cellular function.

In the brain, for example, cell membranes make cellular communication possible.^21,22 Omega-3 fatty acids are also precursors to signaling compounds throughout the body that help fine-tune immune function and regulate inflammation. Some of these, called specialized pro-resolving mediators, help resolve inflammation that could otherwise continue and become chronic, contributing to rapid aging and disease.²³

Omega-3s can also regulate gene expression in ways that reduce inflammation²⁴ and lower inflammatory markers.^25,26 Fish oil consumption is associated with reduced triglyceride levels^27,28 and modest reductions in blood pressure.^27,29

As a result, omega-3 fatty acids may help ward off various ailments, both acute and chronic, from headaches to heart disease.

Headache Relief

Noting that omega-3s help control inflammation and regulate pain pathways, researchers investigated whether increasing their dietary intake could relieve headaches.^15,30-32

In clinical trials in patients with migraine, dietary interventions increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake significantly reduced headache frequency and severity,^15,30,32 while also improving sleep quality.³³

One meta-analysis even found that fish oil was associated with greater preventative benefits than pharmaceutical competitors included in the analysis.³⁴ The study authors suggested that EPA and DHA could be considered a promising option for migraine prevention.

Data also suggest that fish oils benefit other headache types. In one trial of frequent headache sufferers, a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids led to significant reductions in the number and duration of headaches.³⁰

Improved Metabolic Health

Metabolic disorders are associated with accelerated aging^35,36 and increased risk for age-related disease.³⁷

Numerous human studies have found that fish oil intake can improve metabolic health.^38-40

A meta-analysis of 30 human studies suggested that omega-3 supplementation may help improve fasting blood glucose levels and markers of insulin resistance in subjects receiving omega-3 for diabetes treatment or prevention.⁴¹

In another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 8 weeks of DHA-rich fish oil supplementation significantly decreased waist circumference and body fat mass in patients with type 2 diabetes.⁴²

Protection from Pollution

From wildfires to traffic jams, sources of air pollution seem to be everywhere.

In China, where particulate air pollution is a major issue, scientists gave healthy young adults 2.5 grams of fish oil or a placebo daily for four months.⁴³

Compared to those who did not receive fish oil, the fish oil group showed protection from some of the negative impacts of air pollution. Markers of inflammation, blood vessel health, oxidative stress, and stress responses were generally better in those receiving fish oil.

Boosting Brain Function

Multiple human studies suggest that fish oil intake may help preserve cognitive function, especially in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.^12,44,45 In one small clinical study of adults with mild cognitive impairment, for example, fish oil improved multiple aspects of memory and recall.⁴⁴

These benefits may be due, in part, to the ability of omega-3s to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor, as confirmed by a meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials.⁴⁶

Fish oil may also help protect mental health. In a meta-analysis of 31 observational studies involving over 255,000 individuals, higher fish consumption and omega-3 fatty acid intake were associated with a significantly reduced risk of depression.⁴⁷

In a meta-analysis of 67 randomized controlled trials, omega-3 supplementation at approximately 1.5 grams/day significantly improved depressive symptoms in adults with existing depression.⁴⁸

Cardiovascular Benefits

Fish oil intake benefits heart and blood vessel health in many ways, including by:

• Maintaining healthy heart structures after myocardial infarction,⁴⁹
• Preventing abnormal blood clot formation,⁵⁰ and
• Protecting blood vessel function.⁵¹

Fish oil also contributes to cardiovascular health by lowering triglyceride levels and may modestly reduce blood pressure when consumed at higher doses.^27,52,53

Among its cardiovascular benefits, fish oil has shown particular promise in the management of elevated triglycerides.^54-56 Omega-3 fatty acids help lower triglycerides and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.⁵⁶

Clinical studies have demonstrated that fish oil supplementation at doses of ≥4 grams/day can effectively lower elevated triglyceride levels, with reductions of up to 45% in individuals with severe hypertriglyceridemia.^57,58

Evidence further suggests that higher circulating levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease,⁵⁹ coronary heart disease,⁵⁹ stroke,⁶⁰ and mortality.^59,61

Consistent with these findings, meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have reported that omega-3 supplementation is associated with reduced risks of myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease events, with benefits appearing to increase with dose.^13,14

Notably, one meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with 135,267 participants found that EPA and DHA intake was associated with a 35% lower risk of fatal myocardial infarction.¹³

The Framingham Heart Study, a prospective cohort study of 2,692 older U.S. adults followed for up to 16 years, found that individuals in the highest quintile of plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels lived an average of about 2 more years after age 65 than those in the lowest quintile.⁶²

Life Extension® suggests daily intake of at least 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA from highly purified fish oil.

Summary

The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, found in fish oil, serve as building blocks for critical biological structures and compounds in the body.

Studies have found significant benefits to fish oil intake, including supporting brain health, controlling inflammation, improving metabolism, and reducing risk for cardiovascular disease.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

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