What are the benefits of taking fish oil with omega-3 fatty acids?
My father has memory problems. Some people say these tablets improve memory and that they are good for the brain. Other friends say they are good for the heart. Please enlighten me about them. — G.A. ANSWER: Omega-3 fatty acids are promoted for a variety of maladies. The best evidence of their effectiveness is in the prevention of heart disease, specifically heart attacks. They prevent rupture of the plaque, which occludes heart arteries. When plaque breaks apart, a clot forms that completely stops blood flow to the heart muscle — a heart attack. Omega-3s also protect the heart from developing deadly heartbeats. Their effect on memory is on less-solid ground. Don’t expect a radical change in your dad’s memory from taking them. However, they won’t hurt him, and they will do his heart good. The omega-3 fatty acids are known as EPA, eicosapentenoic acid, and DHA docosahexenoic acid. The recommended daily amount is 1,000 mg, in total — EPA plus DHA. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a female, 75 year
