Fish oil is among the most popular supplements in the market. Countless bodybuilding and fitness enthusiasts take and recommend the supplement to others. While fish oil has many purported benefits, the fitness and bodybuilding community is concerned with its effects on cardiovascular and bone health. However, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who survived three heart valve surgeries, has busted this bubble.

The seven-time Mr. Olympia knows all about heart health as his heart has a defective valve. Schwarzenegger discovered the defect in his 30s and, since 1997, has undergone three surgeries. The bodybuilding icon takes care of his heart and stays up-to-date with the latest research. In the latest edition of his newsletter, the 76-year-old highlighted one such study linking fish oil and its effects on cardiovascular health.

Fish Oil supplements are not the one-stop solution

While writing about fish oil supplements, Arnold Schwarzenegger highlighted a study that found fish oil from supplements is not as effective as whole food sources. “Taking fish oil supplements might not provide the same cardiovascular health benefits,” Arnie wrote in his newsletter. Schwarzenegger reached this conclusion by comparing studies.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil benefit the heart. However, studies that reached this conclusion focused on subjects getting their omega-3s from whole food sources. “You don’t see the same boost when you look at research that uses fish oil supplements,” wrote the 76-year-old. The Terminator actor highlighted further studies that found fish oil supplements might not make a significant difference at all.

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Hence, the bodybuilding legend said, “Eating two or more servings of fish per week helps fight cardiovascular disease.” However, relying on supplements might not make a worthwhile difference. So why don’t fish oil supplements, despite containing omega-3 fatty acids, work as well as whole food sources?

Arnold Schwarzenegger exposes the supplements

The former Mr. Europe said that one study found most supplements are “under-dosing what you need.” Schwarzenegger said, according to the American Heart Association, only 10 percent of Americans get enough of the recommended fish oil. However, what is more alarming is only “9 percent of supplements meet the recommended intake of combined DHA and EPA.”

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The fitness icon said these two oils provide the most health benefits. Arnie said an individual requires 2 grams (combined). However, the vast majority of supplements do not contain the required amount. While fish oil has properties that benefit cardiovascular health, Arnold Schwarzenegger recommends you watch where you get your fish oil from.