Gallstones often develop when there is an imbalance in the components of bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. One of the main risk factors for developing cholesterol-based gallstones is high cholesterol in bile. Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower triglyceride levels and improve the overall lipid profile by increasing HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) while decreasing LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides. By improving the cholesterol balance in the bile, omega-3s may reduce the risk of cholesterol crystal formation, which is the first step in gallstone development.