FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS
Fish oils, also known as marine oils, are essential fatty acids
(lipids) found in fish, particularly cold water fish, and other marine life
such as phytoplankton. These oils
are rich sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) of the n-3
(omega-3) type. The two most studied fish oil fatty acids are the 20 carbon eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the 22-carbon docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Following ingestion EPA and DHA
are transported by the circulatory system to various tissues of the body where
they are used mainly for the synthesis of phospholipids. These phopholipids in
turn are incorporated into the cell membranes of blood platelets, blood cells and central nervous system cells,
as well as many others. DHA, in particular, is a vital component of the
phospholipids which make up the cellular membranes of the brain and retina.
Most fish oil supplements are about 20% EPA and 10% DHA, or a total of 30%
omega-3. These omega-3 fatty acids, unlike the omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed oil and other vegetable oils,
help to keep blood triglycerides in check and may protect against
atherosclerosis.
Suggested Health Benefits of Fish Oil Supplementation
Fish oils may primarily be indicated to lower triglyceride levels in those with
hypertriglyceridemia. Another important indication
may be to prevent death in those who have suffered myocardial infarctions. However, studies indicate that fish oil
supplementation may be valuable in preventing a number of conditions including
the following:
Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease (also known as regional enteritis) is a chronic, episodic, inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by transmural inflammation (affecting the entire wall of the involved bowel) and skip lesions (areas of inflammation with areas of normal lining in between). Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus
Fish oil may help to prevent relapse in Crohn's disease. The results of one double-blind trial of individuals with Crohn's disease showed that subjects taking fish oil experienced a significantly reduced relapse rate. The fish oil used in this trial provided .9 grams of DHA and 1.8 grams of EPA daily. No adverse side effects were reported.
High blood pressure. Fish oil supplementation may be useful for lowering blood pressure. Analysis of 17 controlled studies indicated that supplementation with at least 3 grams of fish oil daily can lead to clinically relevant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with untreated hypertension. Doses in these trials ranged from 1 to 15 grams of EPA and DHA.
High triglycerides. In one double-blind study 234 men were randomly selected and divided into three groups. Each group was given 3.8 grams daily of EPA, in the form of ethyl ester, 3.6 grams daily of DHA, in the form of ethyl ester or a placebo. When compared to the placebo group triglyceride levels decreased by 26% in the DHA group and over 20% in the EPA group. However, the effect of fish oil on LDL ("bad") cholesterol varies, and in some people, fish oil supplementation has been reported to increase LDL levels.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis have been found to have lower than normal levels of fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids in the fluid and blood in their joints. Studies have shown that EPA and DHA, like those found in fish oil, help to inhibit the synthesis of the inflammatory cytokines in both healthy individuals and those with rheumatoid arthritis. It has been reported that daily supplementation with 3 grams of EPA and DHA mixtures for three months or longer may reduce the number of tender joints and severity of morning sickness in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been reported that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis that supplemented with EPA and DHA mixtures have been able to lower their reliance on anti-inflammatory drugs or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.
While studies have not produced enough evidence to support their efficacy, fish oils may also be useful for:
- Asthma
- Atherosclerosis
- Bipolar disorder
- Breast-feeding support
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cystic fibrosis (EPA)
- Depression
- Eczema
- Heart attack
- Immune function (omega-3 fatty acids for critically ill and post surgery patients only)
- Kidney disease
- Lupus
- Osteoporosis (in combination with evening primrose oil)
- Phenylketonuria (if deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- Pre- and post-surgery health
- Psoriasis
- Raynaud's disease
- Schizophrenia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Ulcerative colitis
and additional benefits of fish oil found on a blogs and other internet sites:
- improves verbal, memory and spelling skills
- more effective than Ritalin for ADHD
- prevents age-related blindness
- decreases sick-days
- saves premature babies’ lives
- shows promise for type II. diabetes
- reduces anxiety (in adults with history of substance abuse)
- helps with dieting, loosing weight
- if taken during pregnancy – it improves babies development in word skills and hand-eye coordination
- helps with depression; also lowers post-natal depression in mothers