Best Fish Oil Supplements For Lowering Triglycerides
I may receive a commission for purchases made through product links on this page, but I always stand by my opinions and endorsements!
Many people have high triglycerides nowadays.
Why?Well, there are a few reasons, including:
- Lack of exercise
- Drinking too much alcohol
- A diet high in sugar/carbohydrates
So it seems that unhealthy lifestyle choices are largely to blame.
Nowhigh triglycerides are real bad news
Research has shown that those with high triglycerides are at greater risk of heart disease.
And if thats not bad enough, high triglycerides increase your risk of dying from any cause.
Scarystuff, right?
So,if you want to live a longer, healthier life, then lowering your triglycerides should be a top priority.
A good starting point would be to exercise more, drink less alcohol and lower your intake of sugar and carbohydrates.
Not only will this lower your triglycerides but itll make you much healthierfor many, many other reasons too.
Onceyouve done that, then there are many supplements you can use, such as fishoil, to lower triglycerides even more.
Fish Oils To Lower Triglycerides
Fish Oils to Lower Triglycerides
Elevated triglyceride levels commonly are seen in patients with diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome. Increased triglycerides are associated with more highly atherogenic lipoproteins, insulin resistance, and an increase in cardiovascular risk. Individuals that have high triglyceride levels associated with low HDL cholesterol levels and an elevated LDL/HDL ratio appear to be at a significantly increased cardiovascular risk.1
| Table 1 |
|
Clinical identification of the metabolic syndrome* |
| Abdominal obesity |
| men> 40 in |
| women> 35 in |
| Triglycerides> 150mg/dL |
| Blood pressure> 130/³ 85 mm Hg |
| Fasting glucose> 110mg/dL |
| * National Cholesterol Education Program AdultTreatment Panel III. Three of five required. |
Triglycerides and Disease
Normalization of high triglyceride levels can be difficult. Lifestyle modification with exercise, weight loss, and a diet low in complex carbohydrates can be effective in many individuals. Certain medications, such as the statin drugs and fibrates, can variably lower triglyceride levels. Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of dietary fish or fish oil capsules can help lower triglyceride levels both as a part of a lifestyle program and in combination with pharmacologic therapy.
Several genetic conditions are known to elevate triglyceride levels significantly, at times to values in excess of 1,000 mg/dL.4 Excessively high triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatitis.
Table 3
Dose
Why You Should Trust Us
Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions about staying healthy and living healthier lifestyles.
We extensively test each health service or product we review. Our content provides you, our readers, with an unbiased exploration of at-home health options, free of marketing jargon or gimmicks. We evaluate products and services based on their adherence to quality and the latest medical evidence and health standards. We ask ourselves two simple questions: Would we buy the product or service ourselves if it werent part of our job? Would we recommend it to family and friends?
Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this guide was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy.
Dont Miss: What Makes Your Cholesterol High
Read Also: How Do You Raise Good Cholesterol
Fish Oil With Statins
Some drugs that lower LDL cholesterol also decrease triglycerides. But they may not do enough.17,24,25
About one-third of all patients taking statin medications still have fasting triglyceride levels over150 mg/dL. This leaves them vulnerable to cardiovascular problems.26
Fish oil has proven to be effective for reducing major adverse cardiovascular events.27
A major trial called REDUCE-IT included 8,179 high-risk heart patients who had LDL cholesterol controlled by statins yet still had elevated triglycerides. They were given 4,000 mg of a prescription EPA-only fish oil or a placebo daily for about five years.28
The fish oil group had a median reduction from baseline in fasting triglycerides of 19.7% within one year compared to placebo. The placebo group had a slight increase in triglycerides.
The fish oil group also had a 25% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events , compared to the placebo group.
Fish Oil Dosage: How Much Should You Take Per Day
Many people take fish oil supplements daily.
Aside from supporting your brain, eyes and heart, fish oil can also fight inflammation in your body .
Many healthcare professionals recommend it. However, you may not know whats the right dosage for you.
This article discusses how much fish oil you should take for optimum health.
Read Also: How To Bring Down Cholesterol Naturally
Genes Fish Oil And Triglycerides: An Unexpected Outcome
Researchers from the University of Georgia decided to test the hypothesis that our genetic makeup influences whether well benefit from fish oil supplementation.
To identify which genomic factors affect blood lipid levels, they conducted a genome-wide association study among participants of the UK Biobank.
The studys first stage included 73,962 of the UK Biobanks Caucasian genetic participants in the Biobank UK. The second stage gathered samples from 7,284 white participants in the ARIC group study.
The researchers looked at four fats. All were biomarkers of cardiovascular health:
- Genetics may have cast doubt on fish oil and triglyceride claims.
and triglycerides .
They divided the samples into two groups, those from about 11 thousand people taking fish oil supplements and the rest from participants not taking them.
And thats how they discovered that the results differed depending on a persons genes!
Their goal was to observe fish oils association with two main A and G genes. Participants had one of three genotypes:
The majority 92.1 percent were AA. Another 7.7 percent were AG. Only 0 .1 percent were GG.
What were the fish oil and triglycerides outcomes according to genotype?
- The AA group had higher TAGs than those not taking fish oil supplements.
- The AG group had lower TAGs than those not taking fish oil supplements.
- The GG group was so small that the researchers decided not to consider their TAG levels.
What Do Wholemega Fish Oil 500 Mg Tiny Caps Do For You
Our heart-healthy 100% Wild Alaskan Salmon oil may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease§ and is clinically proven to improve the Omega-3 Index, help retain healthy triglyceride levels, and promote other studied heart health markers.* Plus, our easy-to-swallow mini fish oil pills contain our expertly blended Botanical Antioxidant Stability System to preserve freshness.*
- 17 Omega fatty acids nourish heart, brain, eye, positive mood, and joint health*
- 1 week of Wholemega delivers the equivalent Omegas of 3 servings of Wild Salmon
- With Vitamin D3 plus Astaxanthin that has powerful antioxidant action*
§ Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. See nutrition information for total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol content.
Also Check: Can High Cholesterol Cause Acne
Why Choose Puritans Pride
Getting the most out of life every day is what inspires us to deliver over 3,000 outstanding products that help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
We take pride in manufacturing the vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements that complement your healthy lifestyle, plus we offer essential oils, nutritious foods and more.
So get out there and embrace life because the journey is your reward.
Trusted and Loved
Fish Oil And Triglyceride Control
The Mayo Clinic Proceedings links higher EPA and DHA intake to a 35% lower risk of fatal heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce high triglycerides and provide additional cardiovascular benefits.
Scientifically reviewed by: Dr. Gary Gonzalez, MD, in October 2021. Written by: Marsha McCulloch, RD.
Everyone has heard about the cardiovascular risks posed by high LDL cholesterol.
But even when dangerous cholesterol particles are controlled, another lipid called triglycerides can block blood flow to the heart or brain.
Conventional medicine defines elevated triglycerides when blood levels exceed 149 mg/dL.1
Life Extension has long advocated that the reference range for optimal triglyceride levels should be less than 100 mg/dL.
Omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglycerides by as much as 50%.2
A recent meta-analysis found that EPA and DHA intake was associated with a 35%reduced risk of fatal heart attacks.3
Read Also: Is Olive Oil High In Cholesterol
What Are Todays Most Popular Krill Oil For Lowering Cholesterol Models
There are many krill oil for lowering cholesterol items accessible today for men and women seeking quality and reliability. Every krill oil for lowering cholesterol model follows the same essential premise. But they appeal to various users.Its no secret that certain products appeal to specific populations. What if you could see which products were the most popular across all consumers? You can, and weve got the list. Check out our collection of products that appear to appeal to all ages, genders, and locations.
Dont Miss: Is There Cholesterol In Potato Chips
How We Select Supplements
Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.
We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. We prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by one of three independent, third-party certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.
Its important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.
Recommended Reading: How To Lower Blood Cholesterol
Don’t Miss: Can High Cholesterol Be Genetic
When Are Your Triglycerides Too High
Triglyceride levels are measured through a blood test.
Your triglyceride level result is according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Normal Less than 150 mg/dL
- Borderline-high 150-199 mg/dL
- Very high 500 mg/dL or above
Why Does Fish Oil Reduce Triglycerides
The component of fish oil that effectively reduces triglycerides is Omega 3, which is a fatty acid.
Thats right, although it sounds incongruous, fats help reduce blood fats.
Omega 3 is a form of good fat, very different from the harmful saturated fats we take in through fast foods and processed foods.
There are three different Omega 3 fatty acids which reduce triglycerides.
One form is called alpha-linolenic acid , and it is found in flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil. And, to a lesser degree, in walnuts, dairy products, beans, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables.
ALA has been shown to reduce triglycerides but is not nearly as effective as the other two Omega 3 fatty acids types, Docosahexaenoic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid .
EPA and DHA are found primarily in cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, Hoki, and albacore tuna.
Research has shown that DHA and EPA can reduce triglyceride levels by 25% to 35%, or even more.
Another research study has stated that fish oil reduces triglyceride levels by lessening adipose tissue inflammation and increasing the intake of fatty acids in adipose, heart, and skeletal muscle.
However, a study has proven the link between cardiovascular disease and triglycerides.
It further stated that intake of Omega-3 supplements could help treat hypertriglyceridemia and prevent cardiovascular risk.
Read Also: Does Flaxseed Good For Cholesterol
What To Look For In A Quality Fish Oil
EPA and DHA
It’s important to check your fish oil’s specific EPA and DHA levels. EPA and DHA are the most potent types of omega-3 fatty acids. When it comes to health benefitsheart, brain, immune function, etc.these two do most of the heavy lifting.Most experts recommend between 6001000 mg of EPA and 400-800 mg DHA for healthy adults.
GMP Compliant
Companies that follow Good Manufacturing Practices adhere to strict safety and handling protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Most trusted brands clearly label GMP compliance on their bottle or website.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil helps neutralize the strong odor that comes from fish oil, the culprit behind the infamous “fish burp.” Avoid the fishy aftertaste by finding a product that includes lemon flavoring or lemon oil in its formula.
Fish Oil For Prevention
Scientists reviewed 22 clinical trials of EPA and/or DHA use in 1,637 healthy adults with normal or borderline-high triglycerides.18
In studies ranging from two weeks to a year, daily oral intake of 300-4,900 mg of omega-3s reduced fasting triglyceride levels by 4%-51%.18
Higher doses and longer time periods of taking fish oil generally produced greater benefits.18
A recent meta-analysis of 40 clinical trials found that EPA and DHA intake was associated with significant reductions in the risk for cardiovascular disease death.3
Specifically, this study found that EPA and DHA supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of:
- Fatal heart attack
- Coronary heart disease events
- Coronary heart disease mortality
The study, published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, concluded that supplementation with EPA and DHA reduced the risk of coronary heart disease, including heart attack.
Recommended Reading: Is Metamucil Good For Cholesterol
How To Choose Fish Oil To Lower Triglycerides: The Buying Guide
How do you choose the fish oil to lower triglycerides? You must consider many things, such as the brand name, price, and product quality. In addition, you should also consider whether it is suitable for your needs or not.
So how do you choose the right fish oil to lower triglycerides? Here are some tips that you can use to help you find a good product:
What you Should Keep in Mind When Buying fish oil to lower triglycerides
When shopping for a fish oil to lower triglycerides, there are several things to consider. You need to think about the quality of the product, the price, and even how much it will benefit your life. However, you also need to keep these factors in mind:
Recommended Reading: What Does High Cholesterol Feel Like
What About Sustainability And Quality
During the last decade, the sustainable harvest and manufacturing of fish oil has been subject to several advancements. Puritans Pride has partnered with suppliers with a strong commitment to high quality, freshness, and sustainability.
Our company is also a member of the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 , an organization that is a leader in advocating the consumption of fish oil-derived omega-3s and has set the standard for quality in the omega-3 industry. GOED members are expected to follow strict ethical guidelines in the manufacturing and the marketing of fish oil products related to benefits and quality.
Puritans Pride has partnered with suppliers with a strong commitment to high quality, freshness, and sustainability.
Don’t Miss: What Happens If You Eat Too Much Cholesterol
Krill Oil Vs Fish Oil
These two sea creatures offer similar health benefits in their oil supplements. While its much harder to go out and catch some fresh krill for dinner, they offer slightly more nutritional value than fish oil.
Krill oil is more consistent between brands of supplements since there are more than 80 kinds of krill, most often caught from one source: Antarctic krill. You wont have to worry about mercury levels between types of krill either. Human bodies are thought to absorb krill oil more efficiently than fish oil, meaning you can take in more EPA and DHA from each supplement you take, meaning you can take less and get the same effect.
Krill also offers a few other health benefits through nutrients you cant find in fish oil.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that gives krill their red color . Very little research has been done on its health benefits at this time, but its thought to have some anti-inflammatory properties with the potential to help cardiovascular disease.
Phospholipids
Choline
Choline is another essential nutrient necessary for our metabolic pathways to function. Its used to make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that controls movement and circadian rhythms, and runs the parasympathetic nervous system. Its also crucial for moving fats through the body, working hand-in-hand with omega-3 fatty acids. Not having enough choline can lead to liver damage.
Try Vitamins And Supplements That Can Lower Your Cholesterol
Remember that pills should be a supplement to, not a substitute for, a good diet. If youre trying to lower your cholesterol, ask your doctor about the following options.
- Psyllium: This bulk-forming fiber laxative, which is sold over the counter , finds cholesterol and eliminates it from your body. Two grams a day can lower your cholesterol.
- Red yeast rice: Taking 1,200 milligrams twice a day may lower your cholesterol, but its critical that you talk to your doctor before taking it. Youll need to have your liver function monitored, Dr. Cho notes.
- Phytosterols: Phytosterol is similar to your bodys natural cholesterol and can block cholesterol from being absorbed into your body. Dr. Cho says two grams of phytosterol a day can lower your cholesterol by 10% and your LDL by 14%.
You may hear about garlic and grapeseed and other ways to lower your cholesterol, Dr. Cho says. But these ingredients wont impact your cholesterol, so save your money for something good like sneakers so you can go exercise!
Read Also: Medication To Lower Cholesterol And Triglycerides