Practical applications of fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids) in primary care.
BACKGROUND
Fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids) has been studied for more than 30 years. However, recent concerns of mercury and environmental toxins have clouded fish oil's potential clinical benefits. This article aims to review practical, evidence-based applications of fish oil for the primary care physician.


METHODS
PubMed search using key words 'fish oil,' 'docosahexaenoic,' and 'eicosapentaenoic' in title/abstract. Limited to human clinical trials. Articles were further scanned for relevant sources.


RESULTS
For secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, 1 g of fish oil has shown to reduce overall and cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. Higher doses may be used for its potent triglyceride-lowering effects and for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to reduce nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation of infant formula has shown benefit in infant neural growth and development. With the potential health benefits of fish, women of childbearing age should be encouraged to eat 1 to 2 low-mercury fish meals per week.


CONCLUSIONS
Fish oil has numerous practical applications for the primary care physician. Understanding the diverse clinical research of Omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil is important in determining its role in primary care practices.
Oh
Robert
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Department of Family Medicine, MCHJ-FP, Madigan Army Medical Center, Ft. Lewis, Washington 98431, USA. roboh98@earthlink.net
D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000737:chemistry; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000009:adverse effects; D011320:Primary Health Care
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; D008628:Mercury