

Fish oil supplements do not contain the same amount of fish oil as prescription products, so they cannot be used in place of prescription products. Fish oil is also available as a supplement. Some fish oil products are approved by the FDA as prescription medications to lower triglycerides levels.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce pain and swelling, and also prevent the blood from clotting easily. The body doesn't produce many of its own omega-3 fatty acids. Fish that are especially rich in these oils include mackerel, herring, tuna, and salmon. The benefits of fish oil seem to come from its omega-3 fatty acid content. It is rich in two important omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
