If I want an omega-3 supplement, should I choose one from plants or fish?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Both plant and fish-based omega-3 supplements are good for you, but Dr. Tanya Edwards, medical director for Center for Integrative Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic and guest on The Dr. Oz Show, prefers them fishy. In this video, she explains why.

Continue Learning about Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Clams, shrimp, salmon . . . which one can do nice things for your skin? Salmon has the edge. Research suggests that dining on fish high in omega-3 fa...

La'Sheah M. Stewart, FNP

It depends on what you are taking it for and the source. For example, if you are taking it to reduce...

John Preston, PsyD

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been found to positively affect mood in people living w...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Fish oils, grains and lamb are good sources of Omega 3 fatty acid, a nutrient that has a lot of buzz as being beneficial in the reduction of coronary artery disease. It's also been linked in studies to helping sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. Flaxseed oil is another good source of this acid. Much research is being done on this nutrient, assisted by the fact that the Japanese diet typically has 10 times or more of the nutrient than the American diet. Some studies have also shown a reduction in colon cancer related to Omega 3 fatty acid consumption. Not everyone is able to reap the same benefits from Omega 3's however - one study shows that women with type 1 diabetes do not have a reduction in coronary artery disease with a diet high in this ingredient.

Learn More