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Fish oil is oil from fish that contains omega-3 fatty acids, chiefly EPA and DHA. It is sold in dietary supplements with varying amounts of these fats. Prescription omega-3 medicines are separate products with specific approved uses.
read more about fish oil ...People take fish oil supplements to increase their intake of EPA and DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglyceride levels, although the effect depends on the amount taken. An over-the-counter supplement should not be assumed to have the same benefits as a prescription omega-3 medicine.
EPA and DHA are fats used throughout the body, including in cell membranes. At sufficient amounts, they can affect how the liver produces and clears triglycerides. A supplement's label shows how much EPA and DHA it contains per serving.
Fish oil supplements are usually taken by mouth as capsules or liquids. The amount of EPA and DHA varies between products, even when the front label lists the same total amount of fish oil. Follow the product directions and discuss higher amounts with a clinician.
Fishy taste, heartburn, nausea, and stomach discomfort can occur. Higher amounts can interact with anticoagulant medicines and raise bleeding concerns. People with heart conditions should also discuss high-dose omega-3 use with a clinician.
No. Supplements and prescription medicines differ in composition, regulation, and approved uses. Do not replace a prescribed product with a supplement without medical advice.
They are omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and seafood. The amounts in a fish oil supplement are listed on its label.
No. Check the EPA and DHA amounts per serving rather than relying only on the total fish oil amount.
Yes, particularly at higher amounts. Tell a clinician about fish oil use if you take warfarin or another anticoagulant.
7 Things To Know About Omega-3 Fatty Acids. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-omega-fatty-acids. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.
Answers to 5 questions about fish oil supplements. Mayo Clinic. https://communityhealth.mayoclinic.org/featured-stories/fish-oil-supplements. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.
Fish oil. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.
Omega-3 in fish: How eating fish helps your heart. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/omega-3/art-20045614. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.
Omega-3 Supplements: What You Need To Know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/omega3-supplements-what-you-need-to-know. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.