Fish oil can positively influence cholesterol profiles, particularly by lowering triglycerides--I've seen reductions of 20-30% in some cases. However, I believe there's a significant difference between getting omega-3s from whole food sources versus supplements. In my practice, I encourage clients to prioritize fatty fish like salmon and sardines 2-3 times weekly, which provides not only EPA and DHA but also additional nutrients that work synergistically for heart health. When supplements are necessary, I look for those in triglyceride form with third-party testing for purity, as many over-the-counter options don't deliver what they promise.