Fish oil supplements are an important dietary supplement, because they provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, which the majority of people in the Western world are deficient in.

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for the maintenance and function of the brain. They may help prevent heart disease and may ensure a normal heart rate and coronary blood flow. A daily fish oil supplement may also have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and can lower blood triglyceride levels. High levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in the blood stream may lead to the development of atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke.

Studies by the National Institutes of Health concluded that daily fish oil supplements can reduce joint tenderness in arthritis patients.

The body uses omega-3 fatty acids to produce eicosanoids. Eicosanoids regulate cell division and growth. They regulate muscle activity and blood clotting. They allow the cells to absorb calcium and other needed substances. A daily fish oil supplement, which provides omega-3s, is important to many bodily functions. Years ago, cod liver oil was taken in liquid form as a dietary supplement. Cod liver oil tastes and smells awfu;, todays fish oil supplements are generally in capsule form and are odorless and tasteless.

Fish oil supplements are particularly important to the average American diet, because most Americans do not eat enough fish. Even when a person eats fish three to five times per week, many doctors still recommend a fish oil supplement. The body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids and so they must be obtained from a food source. Leafy green vegetables and flaxseed oil, other sources of omega-3s, do not compose a large portion of the American diet either, so a fish oil supplement is the best option.

It is still advisable to try to eat more fish and leafy greens, but busy people do not always eat what they should. Fish oil supplements provide a small safety net, especially since eating fish can introduce mercury, PCB's, and other toxins into the system because most fish is tainted due to pollution. A high quality fish oil should be molecularly distilled to remove contaminants, leaving you with the benefits of fish without the drawbacks.

A fish oil supplement may also relieve constipation without using a laxative, which can have unwanted side effects. The only known side effect associated with fish oil supplements is diarrhea, which can be relieved by reducing the dosage. However, since fish oil is a blood thinner, you should consult with your doctor if you are already taking any blood thinners like aspirin, etc.

Consumers should look for pharmaceutical grade fish oil or another indication that the fish oil is purified when purchasing a fish oil supplement. We absorb enough impurities through our skin, the food we eat and the air we breathe. We do not need them in our fish oil supplements.