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Why Fish Oil?- 1/29 |
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Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids constitute the two families of EFAs. EFAs are considered "essential" because they are needed throughout the human life cycle, cannot be manufactured in the human body, therefore they must be obtained through our diet on a daily basis for optimal health and wellness. The body must receive a constant and balanced supply of EFAs to ensure proper prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins are beneficial hormone-like compounds that affect virtually every system in the body. They regulate pain and swelling, help maintain proper blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and promote fluidity in nerve transmission.
|Symptoms of Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency Include:
~Fatigue
~Poor memory
~Immune weakness
~Dry skin, eczema or hair loss
~Heart problems
~Reproductive problems (men and women)
~Mood swings or depression
~Poor circulation
|Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are found in cold water fish such as sardines, mackerel, anchovies and cod liver. GLA, an Omega-6 fatty acid, is abundant in borage and evening primrose oil.
|Difference between fish oil and flax seed oil:
|Omega-3 fatty acids fall into two major categories: Plant derived (flax seed oil, yielding alpha linolenic acid or ALA) or marine derived (fish oil, yielding both EPA and DHA). The human conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is somewhat slow and can be inhibited by various conditions such as a diet high in linoleic acid (Omega-6), trans-fatty acids such as fast foods and baked goods, alcohol intake, certain health conditions, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies (B3, B6, C, zinc, magnesium). Fish, on the other hand, is a direct source of EPA and DHA. The general consensus is that only about 15% of ALA converts to EPA, and it may not convert to DHA at all.
|Is it safe to take EFAs derived from fish? I’ve heard that fish oil contains mercury and other environmental toxins.
|Fish oils may contain environmental toxins that accumulates in fish during its life span. Potential toxins can be virtually eliminated given the use of high quality raw materials and a technologically advanced refining process utilizing the very latest distillation technologies. Nordic Naturals fish oils are molecularly distilled utilizing a leading edge enzymatic process, where any potential heavy metals and dioxins are removed. Third party testing document the complete absence of heavy metals and dioxins (where heavy metals are tested down to 25 particles per billion and dioxins down to 0.5 particles per trillion).While Nordic Naturals' policy is to test competing products on an ongoing basis to monitor the overall quality level of the fish oil industry, Nordic Naturals has never found a competing product to match its freshness and purity levels.
|Requirements during pregnancy:
|It is especially important for a pregnant or lactating woman to get adequate amounts of DHA in her diet because the baby is drawing upon her supply. DHA is critical for healthy development of the brain, eyes, and nervous system. There is evidence linking a deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids to an increased risk of premature birth. Some experts recommend that women take 500-600 mg per day during pregnancy and lactation. As with any supplement, it is best to check with your health care professional.
|Recommended intake of Omega-3 fatty acids:
|ISSFAL Recommended Dosage Chart Category Weight Dosage
~Infants (1-18 months) 0-15 lbs 32 mg/lb EPA+DHA
~Children (1.5-15 yrs) 15 mg/lb EPA+DHA
~Adults (15-115 yrs) 650 mg EPA+DHA
~220 mg EPA -minimum
~220 mg DHA -minimum
~Lactating Women 300 mg DHA daily
|Can we get enough EFAs from the food we eat?
|Fish is one of the most abundant sources of EFAs, but Americans simply don’t eat enough fish on a regular basis. Even those who eat fish several times a week aren’t getting enough EFAs because much of the fish consumed today are farm raised (fed a diet of grains instead of fish meal) and lack a significant amounts of EPA and DHA. In addition, there are several factors that can lead to a reduced absorption of EFAs: Age, poor diet, alcohol consumption, low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, some prescription drugs, compromised immune status, and a diet high in trans-fatty acids (fast food, baked goods).
|Good fats vs. Bad fats
|The "bad" fats are trans-fatty acids and saturated fats from animal products. Trans-fatty acids should be avoided completely, this includes margarine, shortening, and processed foods. Meat and dairy products contain high levels of saturated fat and should be eaten in moderation.The "good" fats include polyunsaturated Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). EFAs are considered "essential" because they are needed throughout the human life cycle, cannot be produced in the human body, and therefore must be provided through the diet. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids constitute the two families of essential fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids include corn, soybean, safflower, and sunflower oil. While it is important that your diet include both of these essential fatty acids, it is becoming clear that balance is the key to good health.
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