The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends taking prescription omega-3 to help lower very high triglycerides greater than or equal to 500 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) . People can take 4 g per day of EPA plus DHA or EPA only, either on its own or with cholesterol medication.
Fish oil is not an effective treatment for high cholesterol. In some cases, the DHA in fish oil appears to raise LDL cholesterol. As a result, people who are concerned about elevated cholesterol should not rely on it.
There's strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels. There also appears to be a slight improvement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol, although an increase in levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol also was observed.
Is OTC fish oil better for cholesterol? OTC fish oil supplements are not better for treating high cholesterol than statins. People can use OTC fish oil supplements to support their general health. However, the FDA have not approved fish oil dietary supplements to treat any specific medical condition.
Vitamins C, D, and B3 (niacin) may help lower cholesterol as well. And probiotics, berberine, and red yeast rice are other potentially effective supplements.
Taking 2000 – 3000 mg of EPA/DHA daily will cover most adults' omega-3 needs. But other factors – like diet, genetics, lifestyle, age, body weight, health condition, and the bioavailability of the product used – also play a big role (15, 16).
Elevated serum cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary artery disease. Magnesium has been reported to decrease total serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein, and increase high density lipoprotein.
Fish oil supplements may interfere with the action of hormonal medications including birth control pills. Some studies have reported that oxidation of fish oil in the body may worsen alcoholic liver disease.
Eating healthy, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water will help to bring down cholesterol levels within 2-3 weeks.
Although fish oil supplements don't lower the rate of heart attack or stroke, they may be recommended in some situations. Specifically, EPA and DHA can be used to help lower triglycerides in people with very high triglycerides (over 500 mg/dL), who are at risk for complications such as pancreatitis.
Supplements that should be avoided include red yeast rice, garlic, sustained-release niacin, no flush niacin, and niacinamide. These supplements have no data to support their use in lowering cholesterol levels or have been associated with liver damage.
In summary, fish oil may reduce atherosclerosis by activating numerous nuclear receptors including PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma, by inhibiting the infiltration of macrophages and as the release of MMPs, and by preventing the weakening and rupturing of atherosclerotic plaque.
If you've made lifestyle changes through diet and exercise that have lowered your cholesterol levels, you may not need to continue taking a statin. These changes can help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, or blocked arteries while allowing you to take one less medication.
Turmeric is a staple ingredient in many cuisines, and people use it in traditional medicine to treat various conditions. Research suggests it may be a safe and accessible way to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart-related conditions.