Nutrition

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement

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Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement, Fish Oil Supplement, Lovaza, Vascepa

  • See Also
  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acid
  • Indications
  1. See Omega-3 Fatty Acid
  • Physiology
  1. See Omega-3 Fatty Acid
  2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are available as two different products (often combined)
    1. Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, icosapentaenoic acid)
      1. May reduce Cardiovascular Risk
    2. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, ethyl ester)
      1. Reduces Triglycerides, but not shown to alter Cardiovascular Risk
  • Medications
  • Supplements (OTC)
  1. Supplement sources
    1. Cod liver oil
    2. Standard fish body oil
    3. Omega-3 Fatty Acid concentrate
  2. Supplement Capsules (1 gram)
    1. Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, icosapentaenoic acid): 180 mg
    2. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, ethyl ester): 120 mg
  3. Liquid
    1. Variable concentrations per manufacturer
  4. Food sources for acquiring in diet
    1. See Omega-3 Fatty Acid
  • Medications
  • Prescriptions
  1. Lovaza
    1. Contents (per 1 gram capsule)
      1. EPA 465 mg
      2. DHA 375 mg
    2. Efficacy (4 gram/day dose)
      1. Lowers Triglycerides 45%
      2. Risk of increased LDL Cholesterol
  2. Vascepa
    1. Contents (per 1 gram capsule)
      1. EPA 1000 mg
    2. Efficacy (4 gram/day dose)
      1. Lowers Triglycerides 27%
  3. References
    1. (2013) Presc Lett 20(1):1-2
    2. Ballantyne (2012) Am J Cardiol 110(7):984-92 [PubMed]
  • Dosing
  1. Standard dosing: 1 gram capsule or equivalent liquid daily
    1. Coronary Artery Disease Prevention
    2. Does not appear effective (at 1 g dose) for CAD primary prevention in those without CAD
      1. Halim (2012) Ann Intern Med 157(4):JC2-3 [PubMed]
  2. Higher dose: 2-4 grams per day
    1. Hypertriglyceridemia
    2. Currently being researched as to benefits and risks
      1. Hypertension
      2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Efficacy
  1. See Omega-3 Fatty Acid
  • Adverse Effects
  1. Well tolerated in most patients
  2. Fish after-taste
  3. Gastrointestinal upset
  4. Prolonged Bleeding Time
  5. Increased LDL Cholesterol
  6. Mercury Poisoning risk (depending on source of extract)
  7. Atrial Fibrillation
    1. Longterm Marine Omega 3 Fatty Acids (esp. >1 g/day) are associated with an increased risk of Atrial Fibrillation
    2. Mean study age >60 years old
    3. Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.25
    4. Gencer (2021) Circulation 144(25):1981-90 +PMID: 34612056 [PubMed]
  • References
  1. Covington (2004) Am Fam Physician 70(1):133-40 [PubMed]