Efficacy	Reduces risk for sudden death
	Reduces all-cause mortality
	Lowers serum triglyceride levels*
	Modest effect on lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension*
	Reduces morning stiffness and number of tender, swollen joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis*
Adverse effects	Generally well tolerated. Side effects may include fishy aftertaste, gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., nausea, bloating, belching), prolonged bleeding time, elevations in LDL-C, and exposure to environmental contaminants with certain fish species.
Interactions	No significant drug interactions
Dosage	Capsules: 1 g generally contains 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA.
	Liquid concentrate: 1 tsp contains approximately 1 to 3 g of EPA plus DHA.
	For cardiac health, approximately 1 g of EPA plus DHA daily
	For lowering triglycerides, 2 to 4 g of EPA plus DHA daily
	For rheumatoid arthritis, ≥3 g of EPA plus DHA daily
Types of fish oil supplements	Cod liver oil†
	Standard fish body oil (e.g., herring, salmon)
	Omega-3 fatty acid concentrate
Cost	Capsules: $0.13 to $0.42 per capsule‡
	Liquid: $0.95 to $9.77 per oz‡
Bottom line	Safe complementary medication; reduces risk for sudden death caused by cardiac arrhythmias and all-cause mortality in patients with known coronary heart disease. Higher dosages may be effective in hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis, but data are limited.