Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement

Aka: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement, Fish Oil Supplement

1. See Also
   1. Omega-3 Fatty Acid
2. Preparations: 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): 180 mg
      2. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): 120 mg
   3. Liquid
      1. Variable concentrations per manufacturer
   4. Food sources for acquiring in diet
      1. See Omega-3 Fatty Acid
3. Preparations: 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]
4. 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
5. Efficacy
   1. See Omega-3 Fatty Acid
6. 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. References
   1. Covington (2004) Am Fam Physician 70(1):133-40 [PubMed]