NutriStack
Fish Oil and Simvastatin, a synergy.
Fish oil omega-3 fatty acids can improve triglyceride and non-HDL cholesterol measures when added to simvastatin in patients with residual hypertriglyceridemia. Human pharmacokinetic studies found no meaningful effect on simvastatin exposure. This is a beneficial lipid combination rather than a spacing issue.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- Fish Oil and Simvastatin
- Pair type
- Synergy
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Moderate
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Synergy · Moderate evidence
Synergy
What is happening. Fish oil omega-3 fatty acids can improve triglyceride and non-HDL cholesterol measures when added to simvastatin in patients with residual hypertriglyceridemia. Human pharmacokinetic studies found no meaningful effect on simvastatin exposure. This is a beneficial lipid combination rather than a spacing issue.
Mechanism. Simvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase to lower LDL cholesterol, while omega-3 fatty acids reduce hepatic triglyceride synthesis and VLDL output. Pharmacokinetic studies did not show a clinically important change in simvastatin or simvastatin acid exposure.
Recommendation. Fish oil can be considered with simvastatin when triglycerides remain elevated, but use a consistent dose and recheck fasting lipids. Report unusual bruising or bleeding if you are also taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
Sources (2)
- McKenney JM, Swearingen D, Di Spirito M, Doyle R, Pantaleon C, Kling D, et al. Study of the pharmacokinetic interaction between simvastatin and prescription omega-3-acid ethyl esters. J Clin Pharmacol. 2006;46(7):785-791. PMID 16809804
- Bays HE, Maki KC, McKenney J, Snipes R, Meadowcroft A, Schroyer R, et al. Long-term up to 24-month efficacy and safety of concomitant prescription omega-3-acid ethyl esters and simvastatin in hypertriglyceridemic patients. Curr Med Res Opin. 2010;26(4):907-915. PMID 20156032
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Fish Oil and Simvastatin are in the same stack, this pair applies +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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