Omega-3 fatty acids are important components of the human diet that provide numerous benefits. This eMedTV article describes the benefits of omega-3 supplements, explains how they work, and explores the effectiveness of these products.
Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve fetal and infant brain and eye development. This page on the eMedTV Web site lists other possible benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, such as helping with cardiovascular disease, weight loss, and mental health.
Omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of colon cancer in people with familial adenomatous polyposis. This eMedTV Web page discusses safety precautions with omega-3 fatty acids in people with conditions like diabetes and bleeding disorders.
Serious side effects of omega-3 fatty acids include signs of bleeding or high blood sugar. But, as this eMedTV page explains, most side effects are merely bothersome and not serious. This article also lists some of the common omega-3 side effects.
The recommended omega-3 dose varies, depending on the kind of omega-3 fatty acid and why you take it. This eMedTV article provides some general omega-3 fatty acids dosing guidelines, including specific dosing suggestions for ALA, DHA, and EPA.
Warfarin, orlistat, NSAIDs, and aspirin may cause drug interactions with omega-3 fatty acids. This eMedTV segment describes the possible effects of these drug interactions and lists other medicines that may cause a potentially dangerous interaction.
