Hi mama,

Fish oil supplements have been called a miracle for everything from heart health to pregnancy support—but does the research really back that up? In this episode, I dig into what the science actually shows about fish oil, and it might surprise you.

If you’ve ever wondered whether those soft gels are worth the money, or if you’ve felt pressured to take them “just in case,” this conversation will give you a fresh perspective. We’ll look at what the latest studies reveal, where the common claims fall short, and why your body may not need fish oil at all.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• The truth about how your body really handles omega-3s
  
• What major studies have found about fish oil and pregnancy
  
• Why fish oil doesn’t deliver on its biggest health promises
  
• How to think about supplements versus real food sources
  
• A simple reflection exercise to help you decide if it belongs in your routine
  

This isn’t about adding more fear or guilt—it’s about clarity. By the end, you’ll know whether fish oil deserves a spot in your cabinet or if it’s time to move on.

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Loved this episode? Please leave a review to help us reach more mamas like you! Or, share this episode with a friend who could use a little health related confidence boost.

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Want to work together?

Step 1: Schedule a Health Resource Research Coaching Call

Step 2: Learn the skills and tools you need to feel confident about your health decisions

Step 3: Enjoy your newfound freedom and all of the resources right at your fingertips!

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Photo Cred: @derricktorvik

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Sources:

Welch, AA, Shakya-Shrestha, S, Lentjes, MAH, et al. “Dietary intake and status of n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in a population of fish-eating and non-fish-eating meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans and the precursor-product ratio of {alpha}-linolenic acid to long-chain n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: results from the EPIC-Norfolk cohort1,2,3.”

Am J Clin Nutr November 2010, Volume 92, Number 5, Pages 1040-1051, doi:10.3945/ajcn.2010.29457
Makrides M, Gibson, R, McPhee A et al. “Effect of DHA Supplementation During Pregnancy on Maternal Depression and Neurodevelopment of Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” JAMA. 2010;304(15):167
Muldoon M, Laderian B, Kuan D, Sereika S, Marsland A, Manuck S. (Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA; Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA). “Fish oil supplementation does not lower C-reactive protein or interleukin-6 levels in healthy adults.” J Intern Med 2015;doi: 10.1111/joim.12442.
Rhee J, Kim E, Buring J, Kurth T. “Fish Consumption, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease.” Am J Prev Med 2016 Sept 16 pii: S0749-3797(16)30291-4. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.07.020. [Epub ahead of print]

Folsom A, Demissie Z. Fish intake, marine omega-3 fatty acids, and mortality in a cohort of postmenopausal women. Am J Epidemiol 2004;160:1005-1010
Larsson SC, Orsini N, Wolk A. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of stroke: A meta-analysis. Stroke 2011; 42:3621-23
Burr M, Ashfield-Watt P, Dunstan F et al. “Lack of benefit of dietary advice to men with angina: results of a controlled trial.” Eur J Clin Nutr 2003 Feb;57(2):193-200
Sacks F, Stone P, Gibson C, Silverman D, Rosner B, Pasternak R. “Controlled trial of fish oil for regression of human coronary atherosclerosis. HARP Research Group.” J Am Coll Cardiol. 1995 Jun;25(7):1492-8.