by The Puritan's Pride Editorial Team
This content is intended as general information. We encourage you to explore the full Puritan’s Pride Fish Oil offerings for product-specific benefits.
Fish oil is a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids—the “good” fats that play an important role in supporting your heart.* Learn everything you need to know about fish oil with this guide to omega-3s and their numerous heart-healthy benefits.*
There are three main types of omega-3s, including:
Thanks to their ability to support triglyceride levels already within a normal range, Omega-3 fatty acids support cardiovascular health and healthy circulation.* Having high blood pressure levels can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, but omega-3s may help by lowering blood pressure.^
There are many risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including smoking, a sedentary or inactive lifestyle, and poor nutrition.1,2 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend consuming fatty fish as part of a balanced diet to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (when paired with an active lifestyle).†
^Consuming EPA and DHA combined may reduce blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension, a risk factor for coronary heart disease. However, FDA has concluded that the evidence is inconsistent and inconclusive.
†The FDA has a qualified health claim related to Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3s: "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that the consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease."
In the early 1970s, Danish researchers discovered the possible benefits of fish oil after studying Greenland’s Inuit population and noticing their low rates of heart disease despite their high-fat diets, particularly in omega-3s. 3 The scientists proposed that the large amounts of polyunsaturated fats found in the fatty tissues of the fish and seal meat they ate were responsible for their heart health.3
Over half a century later, there have been more than 36,000 published papers and more than 4,000 human clinical trials, on the benefits of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
Because our bodies can’t make them on their own, omega-3s, like the ones found in fish oil, are an essential part of a healthy diet. Even though Fish Oil is primarily known for heart health, its benefits do not stop there.* Omega-3 fatty acids play a key structural role in our cell membranes and are essential for normal cell growth, helping to maintain our bodily functions and ensure our cells work properly.* They help support multiple areas of your body, including your heart, skin, and joints.*
The American Heart Association recommends consuming at least two servings of different types of seafood per week, preferably fatty fish with higher concentrations of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids. More than 80% of U.S. adults don’t get enough of EPA and DHA omega-3s from fish to meet current recommendations for cardiovascular health.4,5
Fish Oil dietary supplements can help individuals support their heart health and increase their intake of omega-3’s, especially if they don’t eat fish regularly.*
The International Scientific Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) and The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) recommend getting:
Puritan’s Pride fish oil supplements are designed to support heart, skin, and joint health.* Each soft gel is purified to concentrate omega-3s and eliminate mercury. Our fish oil soft gels are tested to ensure product quality, efficacy, and safety.
Q: Do I need to supplement with fish oil if I consume seafood regularly?
A: Seafood can be a great source of protein and increase your intake of omega-3 EPA and DHA fatty acids. However, some types of seafood may contain heavy metals such as mercury. In addition, the way seafood is prepared can impact the polyunsaturated EPA and DHA oils. Dietary supplementation can be a useful strategy to ensure you receive the optimum amounts of EPA and DHA omega-3s daily.
Q: Can I get all the omega-3s I need from plants?
A: While plant foods such as walnuts and flaxseed contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), conversion to long-chain EPA and DHA is low in humans. EPA and DHA omega-3s derived from fish sources have been heavily studied and reported to contribute to overall health benefits, including cardiovascular health.*
Q: Are some forms of EPA and DHA omega-3s better than others for the body?
A: Whether from fish, krill, algae, ethyl esters, or triglycerides, the total amount of EPA and DHA is what matters most for your health.
Q: Does liquid fish oil lead to greater absorption of DHA and EPA compared to soft gels?
A: There is no difference in absorption of DHA and EPA omega-3s whether they are in liquid or soft gel form. However, soft gels help minimize any degradation of fish oil, while liquid oils may be subject to degradation if exposed to light, heat, or oxygen.
Q: Is it best to take a supplement that includes a blend of polyunsaturated oils including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids?
A: A balanced intake of polyunsaturated oils, including omega-3s as alpha-linolenic acid and omega-6s as linoleic acid, can be effective for maintaining health.* Omega-9 oils are considered a nutritious component of the diet but are not considered essential.
Q: Is the use of mixed tocopherols in fish oil unhealthy?
A: In dietary supplements such as soft gels, mixed tocopherols, including d-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), help maintain the freshness of fish oil products.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
