What is the difference between fish oil and Omega-3
Today, many of us actively care about our health and try to prolong youth, preserving the beauty of the face and body. Various variants of drugs from pharmacies and biologically active additives as a source of compounds necessary for humans – vitamins, antioxidants, trace elements or polyunsaturated fatty acids – can help in this. It is omega-3 acids that are the most popular, since not everyone can get enough of them with food. Fish oil is often used to replenish the supply of PUSH, as it is believed that it is an omega.
But is it really so? What is the difference between fish oil and omega and what should you prefer for taking?
With these questions, we turned to an expert – a nutritionist, nutritionist Elena Paretskaya.
What is omega-3
Unsaturated fatty acids from the omega-3 class are a biologically active compound, vital for a full metabolism. This is a building material for all cells of the body, they are part of biological membranes, gray matter of the brain, support digestion and the immune system. A person can get omega-3 with food by consuming foods that contain a lot of these PUFAs. Among the best products we highlight:
- Fat varieties of sea fish – mackerel, herring, sardines, salmon.
- Seafood, especially oysters.
- Walnuts and other types.
- Soy products.
- Bird’s egg.
- Chia and flax seeds.
- Leafy greens, spinach.
If there is a serious deficiency of omega-3 acids, a person may have certain symptoms that may be a reason to consult a specialist and prescribe additional doses of PUFA. These are:
- Dry and flaky skin, deterioration of hair and nails.
- Pain in the joints and bones.
- Rapid fatigue, impaired concentration, memory impairment.
- Sleep disorders.
Although these are symptoms that are typical for many other health problems, their development can be a reason to assess the level of omega acids in the body, and if necessary, add supplements with the necessary compounds to the diet.
Benefits of omega-3 for the body
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Assistance in strengthening immune defense, stimulation of humoral and cellular immunity.
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Maintaining metabolism and optimal functioning of organs and tissues.
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Improving the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons.
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Strengthening the synthesis of serotonin, the hormone of joy.
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Maintenance of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
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Blood liquefaction, which prevents thrombosis and their complications.
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Stabilization of blood pressure level.
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Protection of vascular walls from excessive cholesterol deposition and plaque development.
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Reducing the concentration of homocysteine, a substance that stimulates thrombosis.
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Maintaining the health of bones and joints, preventing inflammatory processes.
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Protection of the bronchi from harmful external influences, including when smoking.
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Normalization of reproductive functions.
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Prevention of tumor formation in different parts of the body.
Fish oil - what is it
So that you can understand the difference between fish oil and omega 3, let’s take a closer look at its composition and biological effects. By its nature, it is a natural multi-component fat solution that is not subjected to radical treatment. Therefore, it retains its specific color, taste and rather sharp smell.
Fish oil is, first of all, one of the most complete sources of natural colecalciferol (this is the scientific name of vitamin D). This fat-soluble vitamin is necessary for the body to absorb calcium, support immunity and the work of the nervous system. But in addition to vitamin D, fish oil contains a lot of other, equally important and useful components that the body needs to maintain optimal metabolism. These are:
- Vitamin A (second name – retinol), a fat-soluble compound necessary for acute vision and health of the skin, liver and many other processes.
- Vitamin E (or tocopherol), a fat-soluble substance that supports reproductive health and youth.
- PUFA in the form of omega-3 fatty acids, partially omega-6 and 9.
- Saturated fatty acids – oleic and stearic.
- A small amount of cholesterol.
- Trace elements – sulfur, iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, etc.
What is the difference between omega and fish oil: which is better?
Now I can conclude how omega differs from fish oil. Omega-3 is a biological compound that we must get with food, and if it is not enough – then additionally with additives. It is part of fish oil, but in addition to it, it contains many other components.
Thus, fish oil is a richer product that covers the need for a larger amount of compounds that are useful for the body. Its positive effects can be added up if the body is deficient in several vitamin or other components at once. If there is a deficiency of only omega or vitamins are taken in the form of additional supplements, taking fish oil can lead to an overdose, which will have a negative impact on health.
In the case of isolated omega-3 deficiency, which happens more often than combined deficits, it is worth giving preference to purified forms of PUFA in the form of capsules with specified amounts of essential fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA.
Which omega-3 to choose

Contraindications
Although fish oil and individual complexes with omega-3 acids are useful, there are a number of contraindications to their intake that should be taken into account when choosing a particular product. Therefore, before use, it is necessary to discuss the issue of intake and dosages with a doctor, conduct the necessary tests and exclude contraindications.
For omega-3 acids, contraindications include:
- Acute cholecystitis or stage of exacerbation of the chronic process.
- Presence of stones in the gallbladder and ducts.
- Individual intolerance of individual components of the drug.
- Tendency to bleeding.
In addition to them, there are a number of additional contraindications for the use of fish oil as a broader biological effect of the drug. These are:
- Hemorrhagic diathesis.
- Presence of hemophilia.
- Severe kidney pathologies.
- Hypervitaminosis by vitamins A and D.
- Prolonged lying position.
- Tuberculosis process.
Other contraindications are also possible, which may temporarily limit the intake of these drugs, which will be additionally reported by the doctor.