According to Health, omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can partially block many aspects of inflammation. Specifically, consuming omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) through fish oil can reduce inflammation.
Chronic inflammation lasts from months to years. This type of inflammation increases the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Fish oil can also alleviate painful symptoms in individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis wears down cartilage in the joints, causing chronic pain and disability. It is the most common cause of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading to painful, stiff, and swollen joints.
One study found that fish oil helps reduce chronic pain in individuals with osteoarthritis who were overweight or obese.
Some evidence suggests that fish oil also reduces inflammation that causes painful joints in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
It has also been proven that older adults with high levels of DHA and EPA in their red blood cells have a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD causes vision loss in individuals over 60 years old.
In later stages, AMD can lead to blurry and wavy areas or loss of central vision. Central vision is needed to see details directly in front of you.
One study noted that the optimal intake of DHA and EPA for lowering blood pressure is two to three grams per day. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when fat accumulates in the liver and causes damage. One study found that individuals with NAFLD who took fish oil experienced improvements in liver damage.
Individuals with NAFLD develop liver disease for reasons unrelated to alcohol use disorder (AUD), such as diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and being overweight or obese.
People naturally lose bone density and muscle mass as they age, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. Research has shown that fish oil can slow the average decline in muscle mass caused by aging in adults aged 60 to 85.
Consuming omega-3 fatty acids may also protect bone mineral density in the spine of older adults. One study linked fish oil to a reduced risk of fractures, particularly among individuals with a high genetic risk.
Finally, research has shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline in older adults.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease experience impairments in language, memory, and thinking.
As the disease progresses, people may become anxious, forget how to perform daily activities, and have difficulty speaking. These symptoms can be distressing for family members of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
DHA is an essential component of brain cells. Research has shown that individuals with Alzheimer's disease have lower levels of DHA compared to others.
One study noted that increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, such as that found in fish oil, helps maintain brain cell structure.