First, I should indicate that I recognize that this post is likely to be a controversial one, as fish oil capsules have gained mainstream acceptance as being perceptually good for health.
However, the fish oil trend discounts a great deal of scientific evidence that suggests that fish oil capsules are actually quite detrimental to health. I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone taking fish oil capsules to consider the science and be skeptical about the continued usage of them.
When the US Food and Drug Association stipulated that the Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil (DHA and EPA) were safe and likely good for health, they were not adequately considering that fish oil fats (highly polyunsaturated) have
"antithyroid, immunosuppressive, lipid peroxidative (Song et al., 2000), light sensitizing, and antimitochondrial effects, their depression of glucose oxidation (Delarue et al., 2003), and their contribution to metastatic cancer (Klieveri, et al., 2000), lipofuscinosis and liver damage, among other problems."
Dr. Raymond Peat, an expert in metabolic health who has a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Oregon with specialization in physiology, compiled one of the most comprehensive listings of the many harmful attributes of fish oil on human health; it truly is a beneficial read:
SEE: The Great Fish Oil Experiment
I do not believe Peat alluded to the fact in his article that another detrimental component to fish oil is that due to it being highly polyunsaturated fat, it is readily prone to rancidity. Many fish oil tablets taken are rancid.
SEE:
Rancid Fish Oil, Heart Health and Omega-3 Supplement Safety
I used to utilize fish oil based on conventional thought and wisdom that has become commonplace in health circles in the US.
However, after much research, particularly aided by the works of Dr. Peat, I have become convinced without at shadow of a doubt that fish oil capsules cause much more harm than they do good.
For Omega 3 fatty acid consumption, eating some occasional fresh fish is highly preferable. The whole issue of "balancing" Omega 3s with Omega 6s is somewhat a misnomer. The beneficial aspect would be to keep both of the highly polyunsaturated Omega 3s and Omega 6s to a minimum equally.
I know that this information comes as a surprise to many, however, again, I am convinced by the literature that fish oil capsules should not be consumed due to their problematic effects on health in comparison with their benefits.