When you hear omega-3s, essential fatty acids your body can't produce on its own. Also known as omega-3 fatty acids, they play a key role in reducing inflammation, supporting brain function, and keeping your heart rhythm steady. You get them mainly from food—fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines—or from supplements like fish oil. But not all omega-3s are the same. The two most important types are EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid, which helps control inflammation and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, critical for brain and eye health. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re active compounds your cells actually use.
Most people don’t get enough omega-3s from diet alone. The average American eats less than half the amount recommended by health groups. That’s why so many turn to supplements. But here’s the catch: not every fish oil pill is created equal. Some are poorly processed, oxidized, or contain mostly filler. And while omega-3s are generally safe, they can interact with blood thinners, raise bleeding risk in some people, and even affect blood sugar levels in diabetics. If you’re on medication—especially for heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions—you need to know how omega-3s might change how your drugs work. That’s why posts here cover real-world risks: like how milk thistle affects liver enzymes, or how colchicine can turn deadly when mixed with certain antibiotics. Omega-3s aren’t harmless candy. They’re powerful compounds that interact with your body’s chemistry, just like prescription meds.
What you’ll find below isn’t a generic list of benefits. It’s a collection of posts that dig into the messy, real-life side of omega-3s: who benefits most, what forms actually work, how to spot low-quality supplements, and when skipping them might be the smarter move. You’ll see how they connect to drug safety, genetic differences in metabolism, and even how liver function changes how your body uses them. This isn’t about selling you a bottle. It’s about helping you decide if omega-3s are right for your body—right now, with your meds, your diet, and your health goals.
Fish oil and omega-3s have been promoted for heart health for decades, but recent studies show mixed results. Learn who actually benefits, which forms work, and whether supplements are worth taking.