Fish oil is a brain supplement that is frequently found in nootropic stacks. Fish Oil supplements are used because they are good sources of essential fatty acids – especially the Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.
These two compounds are long-chain fatty acids, defined as containing more than 16 carbon elements in their chemical structures.
Omega 3’s are necessary for the proper functioning of our bodies, and they ensure that our cell membranes are fluid which is critical for synaptic plasticity and proper communication between neurons in the brain.
EPA and DHA must be obtained through our diet by eating foods with good fats such as cold-water fish, shellfish, plant and nut oils, flaxseed, and walnuts.
However, most individuals find that using Fish Oil (or the better quality Krill Oil) dietary supplements helps to ensure they are getting sufficient amounts of these essential fatty acids – especially when taking other cognitive enhancement supplements.



- Reduces signs of aging & inflammation
- Supports cognition, memory & brain health
- Promotes fat burning & heart health
Fish Oil Effects:
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The fatty acids found in fish oil are have a wide range of positive effects on health and brain function.
Cell membranes throughout the body and brain are made up of different types of fats (phospholipids).
Omega 3’s and Omega 6’s are two of the most important phospholipids used for this process. Since both of these essential acids are considered long-chains, this allows the cell membranes to avoid becoming overly rigid.
With enough of these Omega 3’s in the membrane, this enables the cell to maintain the proper level of flexibility in which to allow the inflow and outflow processes which are important on a cellular level.
But if you do not have enough of these nutrients in your diet then your cell membranes can become less efficient. The result is diminished cell membrane fluidity which inhibits many of the most basic maintenance processes required for the proper functioning of your physiological and neurological systems.
When the cells are properly supplied with fatty acids from fish oil, nutrients are allowed to come in more efficiently and waste materials are allowed to leave and then prevented from returning. This means your cells have more of the raw resources they need to produce energy and there is less build-up of harmful toxins.
Fish Oil Benefits:
Various research studies have shown that Fish oil supplementation can have a wide range of benefits. This includes helping to prevent, reverse, or even lower the risk for developing all types of diseases and health issues.
The reason for such a wide range of effects is that this supplement reduces cellular inflammation. Inflammation is responsible for many health problems within the human body.
Part of the reason why foods with high levels of omega 3 acids are thought to be good brain food is because of the presence of DHA. In fact DHA is one of the most prevalent lipids (fatty acids) within the brain.
Many research studies have linked the eating of foods rich in DHA (like tuna, for example) with a reduced risk of developing brain issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia in the future.
Additional studies show that those using this supplement have better cognitive functioning than those who do not. There is also a clear association between fish oil and brain volume in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus; fish oil use helps to reduce brain shrinkage.
One study found that Fish Oil may help children diagnosed with ADHD. In a trial conducted with children between the ages of 8 to 12, Fish Oil was found to improve their thinking skills and behavior.
This is very promising since this nootropic is safe enough for almost anyone to use, including children under the age of 18 who should avoid many of the stronger cognitive enhancers out there.
Fish oil supplementation has also been suggested to help with insulin and cardiac function. It increases both glucose and fatty acid uptake into the muscle cells. This is thought to partition nutrients toward muscle and away from fat, leading to improved overall body composition. Research also shows these supplements increase cardiac output and stroke volume, supporting healthy blood flow.
Fish oil essential fatty acids are also important for healthy bone density. This is even more essential for those people engaged in a program of strength training or weight lifting. Fish oils have been shown to help maintain bone mineral density as well.
Fish oil supplementation has been associated with a wider range of general benefits. It has been shown to lower risk of death from virtually all causes including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, peripheral artery disease, among others.
It also leads to improved mood regulation and prevents vascular complications from type 2 diabetes. One study found that the EPA fatty acid from fish oil can actually decrease the risk of serious cases of depression and suicide, leading to better mental health. Not to mention the fact that Fish Oil is a general anti-oxidant, serving to protect all tissues and organs from harmful inflammation.
Fish Oil Dosage:
Different fish oil supplements will contain different levels of both of the EPA/DHA essential fatty acid components. Be sure that they are approximately equal in terms of their concentrations.
The generally accepted recommended dosage is between 2 and 4 grams per day, combined. Some research suggests that taking this supplement with meals may help to increase its uptake as well as an anabolic response.
For those looking to fish oil for help with their weight lifting or training program, consider combining this supplement with leucine, branch-chain amino acids, or whey protein. All of these help to support muscle protein synthesis and may create a synergistic effect.
Fish Oil Side Effects:
Fish oil is well tolerated by most people. It is also considered to be among the safest types of supplements available.
However, there are some uncommon side effects such as excessive bleeding which should only occur when consumed in extremely high doses. There may also be some gastrointestinal distress.
Additionally, some people may be allergic to fish oil and should therefore avoid this type of supplement.
Fish Oil Review:
Fish oil is a natural brain supplement that everyone should be getting in their diet one way or another. Whether you are a weight lifter, a student, working mother, or business professional, Fish Oil supplements offer a multitude of health and brain benefits.
Not only can it improve the function of your neurons on a cellular level, it can also protect the brain from signs of aging and improve cognitive abilities and concentration.
If you do not have a diet rich in fish and other source of Omega 3’s, there may be a significant benefit to using these supplements. But even if you are already getting a lot of essential fatty acids from foods you eat, you may see better results from your current supplement routine by adding a Fish Oil supplement.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
4 Comments
What is best brand of high potency DHA fish oil? Where can i get the most DHA from nature? Thank you.
Hi Louis,
If you’re looking for the best source of DHA, I would recommend Krill Oil. In research studies, Krill Oil has been shown to be better absorbed in the body than Fish Oil as it is bound to phospholipids in the latter but not the former.
Hi Admin!
Krill oil has better absorption, but the amount of DHA in a capsule is tiny. Surely the best thing is to choose a natural tryglceride omega 3 with a high DHA content? Natural Triglyceride omega 3’s have much better absorption than ethyl esters.
Hey Andy,
It depends on the source of “Natural Triglyceride omega 3’s.” With Fish oil, there is higher than ideal mercury content. Some fish oil products have less shelf-life stability and different product analyses have shown high rates of rancidity.
Krill oil is also a natural source of astaxanthin – which is the main reason I use Krill Oil instead of Fish Oil.
In terms of DHA/EPA ratio, the optimal ratio will depend on the reasons why you’re supplementing. I’ve heard such a range of opinions on the optimal ratio from experts in the field, so I don’t think there is yet agreement on the best ratio for general use.
Also, the researchers I’ve talked to who have done clinical trials with fish oils and Omega 3’s have all said that absorption is so high with these supplements that it shouldn’t be the primary factor when considering a source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Happy to hear your thoughts and any research you have. :)