Nutrition Diva Two big reasons to rethink your fish oil supplement
Jul 30, 2025
Many fish oil supplements on the market are found to be rancid, potentially causing more harm than good. The discussion emphasizes the importance of obtaining omega-3s from dietary sources rather than supplements. It raises concerns about the effectiveness of these products for heart and mental health. Additionally, there are intriguing questions about the link between fish oil and prostate cancer risk and whether omega-3 enriched eggs can match the benefits of actual fish.
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Rancid Fish Oil Risks
- Many omega-3 supplements are rancid due to oxidation, losing benefits and possibly becoming harmful.
- Oxidized fish oil may increase LDL cholesterol, oxidative stress, and inflammation, though human data is still theoretical.
Avoiding Rancid Fish Oil
- Avoid rancid fish oil by checking for strong fishy smell or cloudy appearance in liquids.
- Buy third-party tested omega-3 supplements, store them cool and dark, and prefer opaque bottles with antioxidants.
Fish Oil Benefits Are Contextual
- The cardiovascular benefits of fish oil supplements are unproven in healthy individuals but may help high-risk patients.
- Omega-3s have stronger evidence for their benefits on depression, brain health, inflammation, pregnancy, and triglyceride lowering.