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Omega-3 Fatty Acids are one of two groups of fatty acids which the body cannot make but which are essential for normal growth and development. Fish oil contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Both EPA and DHA are known as essential omega-3 fatty acids because the body cannot make them on its own. Humans rely on strictly on their diet and/or nutritional supplements to meet their daily requirement of Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil provides one source of these important Omega-3 nutrients.
The names may be confusing. Omega-3 Fatty Acids come from the oils of certain salt-water fish. Thus, they are sometimes referred to as "fish oil." These acids contain the essential fatty acid Eicosapentaenoic Acid, also known as "EPA." Supplements are sometimes referred to as "EPA Supplements." These same products are also called by various combinations of these terms: Omega-3 EPA Fatty Acids, or EPA Supplements, or simply as Fish Oil Supplements. The important thing is that the supplement you take contains Omega-3 fatty acids that come from fish. Some supplements use vegetable oils, such as corn, flax or even hemp as the source for EPA. As you will see in the research presented below, studies have found that vegetable-based supplements are not as effective as those which are derived from fish oils.
Unfortunately, people living in the United States and most other Westernized countries eat up to 30 times more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids, resulting in a relative deficiency of omega-3 fats. Omega-6 metabolic products (inflammatory prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes) are formed in excessive amounts causing allergic and inflammatory disorders and make the body more prone to heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.
The solution to a deficit of Omega-3 is simply – just add more fish oil to your diet. Not all fish contain the essential omega-3 oils needed by humans. Fish oils are derived from such cold-water fish as salmon, cod, tuna, or mackerel are recommended. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 acids or taking fish oil supplements can restore the balance between the two fatty acids and can possibly reverse these disease processes. Another option is to take supplements that contain Omega-3 fatty acids.
Taking fish oil supplements may actually be healthier than increasing your intake of fish. Rising mercury levels in fish have caused concern about mercury toxicity for humans. However, the multi-stage refining process used to transfer the fish oil from the fish and into the capsule removes most impurities, including heavy metals like mercury. | 
