Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are often taken to support heart health by affecting cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat in the blood). If you use omega-3 consistently, you may see your triglyceride levels drop and your “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol rise.\n<\/p>\n
Omega-3 fatty acids<\/a> slightly increase your “good” HDL cholesterol<\/a>. HDL binds cholesterol in your blood and moves it to your liver. The liver then removes the cholesterol from your body.\n<\/p>\n Having a high HDL level can lower your risk for heart disease. The mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids raise HDL is not well understood. However, it likely improves HDL by lowering triglycerides, which can make HDL levels healthier overall.\n<\/p>\n Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids do not change or lower “bad” low-density lipoprotein (<\/a>LDL<\/a>) cholesterol. Most of your body’s cholesterol is LDL, and a high LDL level raises your risk for heart disease.\n<\/p>\n HDL levels below 40 mg\/dL and LDL levels above 130 mg\/dL are often used as cutoffs indicating increased heart disease risk. Depending on your levels, diet, and other medications you may be taking, a healthcare provider may recommend certain supplements and prescription medications to lower your risk for heart disease.\n<\/p>\n Triglycerides<\/a> are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. Your body uses triglycerides for energy as needed.\n<\/p>\n A normal triglyceride level is less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg\/dL). Triglyceride levels above 150 mg\/dL can raise your risk for heart and artery diseases.\n<\/p>\n Omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been found to lower triglyceride levels:\n<\/p>\n Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may be recommended if your triglyceride levels are consistently above 150 mg\/dL.Taking doses of more than 2 grams per day appears to lower triglycerides by 15% to 30% in people at high risk of heart disease.Studies have found that high doses (over 2 grams) are more likely to lower triglyceride levels if taken for at least eight weeks.<\/p>\n How omega-3 fatty acids lower triglyceride levels is not well understood. It is likely because omega-3 fatty acids cause the liver to create less fat and triglycerides. The supplement also helps your body remove excess fat from your blood that isn’t being used for energy.\n<\/p>\n Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are available as an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement. OTC products usually contain about 1,000 milligrams of fish oil<\/a> and a varying amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Higher concentrations of omega-3 fish oil can also be prescribed by your healthcare provider.\n<\/p>\n Some studies have found that getting omega-3 fatty acids from your diet has a more significant effect than taking a supplement. If you are not interested in taking a supplement, consider adding more fish to your diet.\n<\/p>\n