Omega 3 Fish
Oil 1000mg
Fish oil is
derived from the flesh of fatty fish (e.g. salmon herring, mackerel,
pilchards, sardines, trout). It is particularly rich in omega 3 fatty acids
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These fatty acids
are converted by the body into the beneficial series 3 prostaglandins.
Fish liver oils are derived from the livers of white fish, such as cod and
halibut. Fish liver oils contain vitamins A and D, and should be used with
caution by certain groups of people.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is present in
green leafy vegetables,
linseed (flax) oil, soy oil, etc. However, even if our diet
is very rich in these, we may still be deficient in series 3 prostaglandins
because the enzymes needed to convert ALA into EPA are only weakly active.
Dietary EPA can therefore be extremely
valuable because it skips this step and provides a material from which series
3 prostaglandins can easily be produced.
FUNCTIONS
The real value of fish oil lies in its EPA
and DHA content.
Essentially the pathway goes as follows:
Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is converted into stearidonic acid (SA), which is
then turned into eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA). ETA is transformed into
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA is then converted to either docosapentaenoic
acid (DPA), or prostaglandin series 3. DPA proceeds to become docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA).
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Heart Health:
Fish oils have been found to have significant benefits on heart health,
including:
-
Altering the balance of blood fats in a
favourable way.
-
Reducing the likelihood of blood
clotting.
-
Making the heart less prone to
arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
-
Reducing the viscosity of the blood,
thereby facilitating blood flow.
Fish oil may also help to prevent heart
disease by raising beneficial HDL cholesterol, reducing homocysteine levels,
and reducing hypertension.
Pregnancy:
Pregnant women are advised to keep up their intake of omega 3 fatty acids by
eating oily fish or taking low level fish oil supplements if necessary. This
is because more and more research is showing how vitally important omega 3
fatty acids are for the brain development of the foetus.
Arthritis:
Improvements in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis have been reported in
patients taking fish oil supplements. Fish oil therapy is free from side
effects and may also enhance the effects of conventional drugs.
Menstrual
symptoms:
Regular
use of
fish oil may be beneficial to women who experience menstrual cramps.
Bipolar
Disease:
A recent study reported very significant benefits for patients with bipolar
disease (a manic depressive psychosis).
Osteoporosis:
Essential fatty acids present in fish oil may help treat osteoporosis when
taken with calcium supplements. Studies show that women who take fish oil with
calcium have better bone density and fewer fractures than women who take
calcium alone.
SAFETY
Fish oil has been used in very high amounts
in clinical research without any overt toxicity symptoms. However, when taking
high levels of fish oil, patients should be monitored by a medical
professional, because omega 3 fatty acids can displace omega 6 fatty acids
from cell membranes. There may also be a thinning of the blood and a reduction
in clotting time.
When taking fish liver oils, it is very
important that Vitamin A and Vitamin D intake is checked to ensure that one
does not exceed upper safe levels. This is because the vitamins are
fat-soluble, which means that taking fish oil increases the chance of excess
amounts building up in the body. When taking cod liver oil, pregnant women
should take no more than 2500i.u. vitamin A a day, while other individuals
should not exceed 7500i.u. Vitamin D consumption should not exceed 10µg from
supplements.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Evening
Primrose
Oil:
Fish oils and Evening Primrose Oil can suitably be supplemented together to
achieve a balance of the two families of fatty acid (omega 6 and omega 3).
However, alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and GLA/linoleic acid combinations are
conflicting, as the former blocks the further conversion of the latter two.
Nausea:
Occasionally,
fish oils may cause nausea when first taken. This symptom quickly subsides
over a period of time and can be lessened by taking with a meal.
Warfarin:
High dose fish oils should be avoided by those on blood thinning drugs such as
warfarin and heparin.
Ingredients:
Fish Oil Concentrate, Gelatine
capsule shell,(Gelatine, Glycerine)
Natural Source Vitamin-E (as
D-alpha Tochopherol 10%)
( EPA 18% and DHA 12%)
