Omega-3 fatty acids (Fish oil)

Overview

In plain language

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that support cardiovascular, brain, and joint health. They reduce inflammation and improve heart rhythm stability in older adults.

Found in fish oil and plant sources like flaxseed, omega-3s (EPA and DHA) play key roles in heart and brain function. They help regulate triglycerides, reduce joint inflammation, and support mood balance. Regular intake is associated with lower risk of heart disease and cognitive decline. For seniors, omega-3 supplementation provides foundational support for cardiovascular and mental well-being.

Benefits

Use this section to compare the kinds of benefits people most often look for from this treatment.

General Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from fish oil support cardiovascular, brain, and joint health. They're essential fats the body cannot produce, making dietary or supplemental intake necessary for optimal health and healthy inflammatory response.

Physical Benefits

Supports heart health: Improves circulation, reduces triglycerides, and stabilizes heart rhythm.
Eases joint stiffness: Reduces inflammation in arthritis and promotes mobility.
Enhances eye health: Supports retinal protection and visual function.
Improves skin barrier: Helps maintain moisture and elasticity.
Supports lung health: May reduce inflammation and improve breathing comfort.
Boosts immunity: Regulates inflammatory pathways that protect against chronic illness.

Mental Benefits

Supports memory: DHA nourishes brain cells and aids cognitive function.
Improves mood: Helps stabilize neurotransmitters and reduce depressive symptoms.
Reduces mental fatigue: Sustains focus and energy during the day.
Promotes resilience: Reduces stress-driven inflammation in the brain.
Enhances learning speed: Supports neural communication efficiency.
Protects against decline: May reduce long-term risk of dementia.

Additional Information

Related Conditions: Heart disease, arthritis, cognitive decline

Conditions This May Help With

See where this treatment appears most often and review the related condition pages for context.

Health Condition

Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term encompassing various conditions characterized by joint inflammation and pain. While it can affect any joint in the body, it is particularly common in the knees, hips, hands, and feet. Although it can occur at any age, it is particularly prevalent among older adults because as we age, the cartilage that cushions our joints can wear down, leading to arthritis.

12 studies

Heart Disease

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a broad term that encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly among older adults.

4 studies

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by a decline in cognitive function that is greater than what might be expected due to normal aging. While MCI itself is not a diagnosis of dementia, it can be a precursor to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

2 studies

Expert View

This treatment is included because our expert advisors consider it relevant, even if supporting studies are still limited.

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Our Experts' Opinion

While we don't yet have peer-reviewed research on omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) in our database, our clinical advisors have reviewed it and included it based on established clinical practice guidelines and expert consensus.

We continuously evaluate new research and will add supporting studies as they become available.

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