Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
Patient Counselling
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may improve dry eye symptoms in patients afflicted with mild or moderate dry eye syndrome. Patients should look for a product with 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA per capsule. 1 capsule should be taken twice daily; with breakfast and with supper. These products take time to work, with maximum benefits seen after 4 weeks of use. It is recommended to take these products with food as a ‘fishy’ aftertaste is possible. Flavoured products are available which may mask this taste. In terms of side effects, patients should be aware of possible stomach upset, heartburn or nausea when using these products. These symptoms will be lessened if taken with food.
Patients are encouraged to check the product label to determine what type of fish has been used in preparing their product. Patients should avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish (also called golden bass or golden snapper), and farm-raised salmon as these fish may contain heavy metals and toxins that can be harmful. Omega-3 products should be avoided in patients with a seafood allergy. In addition, patients using anticoagulant medication may experience additive anticoagulation and should discuss this with their healthcare provider before initiating. In particular, warfarin patients should be aware of possible changes in their INR with the use of these products. At high doses, omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure so patients on blood pressure lowering medications may experience symptoms of hypotension (dizziness, weakness, possible fainting). Finally, patients using Orlistat should separate their medication from omega-3 fatty acid supplements by 2 hours as Orlistat prevents the body from absorbing this supplement.
References:
1) Fish Oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Faculty. Updated April 9, 2013. Accessed March 17, 2014.
2) DHA. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Faculty. Updated January 3, 2013. Accessed March 17, 2014.
3) EPA. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Faculty. Updated November 8, 2011. Accessed March 17, 2014.
Patients are encouraged to check the product label to determine what type of fish has been used in preparing their product. Patients should avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish (also called golden bass or golden snapper), and farm-raised salmon as these fish may contain heavy metals and toxins that can be harmful. Omega-3 products should be avoided in patients with a seafood allergy. In addition, patients using anticoagulant medication may experience additive anticoagulation and should discuss this with their healthcare provider before initiating. In particular, warfarin patients should be aware of possible changes in their INR with the use of these products. At high doses, omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure so patients on blood pressure lowering medications may experience symptoms of hypotension (dizziness, weakness, possible fainting). Finally, patients using Orlistat should separate their medication from omega-3 fatty acid supplements by 2 hours as Orlistat prevents the body from absorbing this supplement.
References:
1) Fish Oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Faculty. Updated April 9, 2013. Accessed March 17, 2014.
2) DHA. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Faculty. Updated January 3, 2013. Accessed March 17, 2014.
3) EPA. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Faculty. Updated November 8, 2011. Accessed March 17, 2014.