remy

4 years

Is it true that fish oil is goof for high cholesterol

Hi hello, is it true that fish oil is goof for high cholesterol? Is there any other medications or supplements that I should take?

Hi, thank you for your question.
Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Sources of fish oil include fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon and herring. There are also many fish oil supplements in the market that come in capsule, liquid or pill form. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids can decrease triglyceride level significantly.

Omega-3 fatty acids also seems to help increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol to a certain extent, but studies show that LDL (“bad”) cholesterol level increase with consumption of omega-3 fatty acids as well. While it is generally safe, you should consult your doctor regarding the use of fish oil supplements because they may interact with some other medications you are taking.

There are many other supplements that claims to be helpful, such as barley (may decrease LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol), flaxseed (may decrease LDL cholesterol), green tea (may decrease triglycerides and LDL cholesterol), oat bran (may decrease LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol), and soy protein (may decrease LDL cholesterol).

Cholesterol medications available include statins (work by decreasing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increasing HDL cholesterol slightly), bile acid binding resins (lower LDL cholesterol), cholesterol absorption inhibitor (lower LDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides slightly, increase HDL slightly), combination of statin and cholesterol absorption inhibitor (lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increase HDL), fibrates (lower triglycerides), niacin (lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increase HDL), omega-3 fatty acids supplements (lower triglycerides, may increase HDL), and combination of calcium-channel blocker and statin (lower LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure).
Ask for your doctor’s advice if you wish to take any supplement and only take medications prescribed by doctor.

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