Fish Oil

evidence score

supplement

347 studies

Omega-3EPA/DHAeicosapentaenoic acid+4 more

Fish oil provides the omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Among the most extensively studied supplements with multiple meta-analyses and large RCTs. FDA-approved prescription omega-3 formulations (Vascepa — pure EPA; Lovaza — EPA+DHA) for severe hypertriglyceridemia. The REDUCE-IT trial demonstrated significant cardiovascular mortality benefit with high-dose EPA (icosapentaenoic acid, Vascepa) in statin-treated patients. DHA is structural component of neuronal membranes; EPA is primarily anti-inflammatory. Evidence supports triglyceride reduction, mild blood pressure lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects. Widely used for cardiovascular, brain, and anti-inflammatory purposes.

Evidence

Strong evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Approved

Research Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Dosing

Typical

2000 mg

1000 mgRange4000 mg

FrequencyOnce or twice daily with meals (EPA+DHA content, not total fish oil)

Set height & weight in Settings to see your dose.

Pharmacology

Half-lifeEPA: ~2 days; DHA: ~2.5 days tissue turnover

OnsetTriglyceride reduction: 2–4 weeks. Anti-inflammatory effects: 4–8 weeks.

DurationEffects require continued supplementation; tissue depletion over weeks after cessation

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

Level A — Strong

347 studies indexed · 26 meta-analyses

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)~51/100

Quality(30%)~56/100

Sample Size(10%)~100/100

Consistency(10%)~100/100

Replication(5%)~100/100

Recency(5%)~100/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Fish Oil is currently categorized as a supplement compound.

Evidence is strong (76/100) with a relatively mature body of research (347 indexed studies).

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

EPA and DHA compete with arachidonic acid for COX/LOX enzymes, shifting eicosanoid production toward anti-inflammatory SPMs; DHA incorporates into cell membranes affecting fluidity and receptor function

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

Level A: Marine-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Level B: ω-3 Fatty Acids in Pediatric Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Level B: Effects of EPA+DHA and Corn Oil Supplementation on PUFA Concentrations across Plasma Lipid Pools and on Downstream Oxylipins: Exploratory Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Humans.