Are You Taking the Right Fish Oil Dosage For Your Particular Health Condition?
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Suggestions for the proper fish oil dosage vary from 1000-3000mg per day. But, the thing that is really important is not the amount of oil that is present. It is the amount of omega3 fatty acids in each capsule. The omega3 content is not equivalent to the amount of oils. It is only a percentage of it. Reputable manufacturers include this information on their labels.
There are some highly concentrated varieties that provide as much as 800mg of omega3s per 1000mg capsule. But, a recent study showed that there are some extra anti-inflammatory benefits to the natural triglycerides, which have a lower concentration.
Researchers compared the anti-inflammatory activity of two different supplements. One contained 800mg of omega3 fatty acids in the concentrated ester form that most manufacturers use. The other one contained only 500mg of the ester and 500mg of the natural triglyceride. The omega3 content was lower, providing only 500mg total, but the anti-inflammatory activity was higher, twice that of the concentrated ester.
So, basically, your best fish oil dosage is 1000mg total, 500 of a concentrated ester and 500 of natural triglycerides. Total omega3 content would be 500mg and total content of DHA would be at least 260mg.
DHA is the most studied of all of the omega3 fatty acids. It is abundant in brain cells and nerve endings. It accounts for 60% of the free fatty acids in the retina of the eye, the light gathering apparatus that transmits signals to the brain, allowing us to see.
DHA and another important omega3 called EPA have a significant impact on unhealthy blood triglyceride levels. They improve the concentration of “good” HDL cholesterol, which in turn reduces the negative effects of LDL or bad cholesterol.
A good fish oil dosage may help reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and blood clots. It has anti-coagulant activity, similar to that of aspirin, and helps lower blood pressure.
The benefits to the digestive system and the joints have been recognized for hundreds of years. Nordic fisherman took a dose every day, to reduce the negative impact that the cold had on their joints.
Recent studies have shown that there is benefit for people that suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, eczema, psoriasis, acne and lupus.
A good fish oil dosage may help improve your mood, reduce depressive feelings and improve your ability to concentrate. Researchers are evaluating the benefits for people that suffer from Alzheimer’s and have suggested that it may be beneficial for reducing the risk of that degenerative brain disease.
So, there are benefits to the skin, the immune system, the joints, the digestive system, the heart, the brain and basically every cell of the body. But, these benefits may be accompanied by risks, if the supplement is not evaluated for purity.
Manufacturers are not required to test each batch for contaminants, but the better manufacturers do conduct that sort of testing. They are able to prove that their recommended fish oil dosage is free of mercury and other contaminants. Ask for the proof, before you buy.
About the Author: Valerie Rosenbaum knows that the health benefits of fish oil are vast and incredible. But taking the right fish oil dosage is not as straightforward as you think. Low quality fish oils may actually be harmful to your health, because they may contain toxic contaminants. Visit her site TakingFishOil.com to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends.
Taking Fish Oil Supplements? – Which Are the Best?
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Fish oil supplements provide polyunsaturated fatty acids known as omega3s, which are essential to human health. But, not every fish oil supplement provides the same amount of omega3s. The label does not always reflect the amount that is in each capsule. Consumers can easily become confused.
This article should help clear up some of that confusion. Think of it is a shopping guide. It should help you find the safest and most effective fish oil supplements on the market. Either the label or the information on the manufacturer’s website should answer these questions.
What is the Omega3 Content?
The typical fish oil supplement contains 1000mg of oil in a gelatin capsule. The percent of omega3s that is present varies greatly, depending upon the species of fish that the oils are derived from and even the season of the year, during which the catch was made.
The manufacturer should list the minimum amount that will be present in each capsule. The better ones provide at least 500mg of omega3 fatty acids per capsule. You need to look at the label carefully, because some manufacturers list the amount that is provided by 2 capsules, a commonly recommended dosage.
What is the DHA Content?
Of all of the omega3s, we know the most about DHA. A fish oil supplement should provide a minimum of 260mg of DHA per capsule or 520mg per daily dose.
Studies have shown that DHA lowers triglycerides more effectively than EPA, the other well known omega3. It has a high degree of anti-inflammatory activity and is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain.
Fish oil supplements that provide a high dose of DHA can help relieve depression, improve ADHD and possibly protect the brain from age-related Alzheimer’s and dementia. Studies concerning that are currently being conducted in Canada.
What Are the Company’s Standards for Purity and Freshness?
A fish oil supplement may contain mercury and cancer-causing PCBs. There are no world-wide regulations concerning the amount of contaminants that may be present in a capsule. The better companies voluntarily adhere to the standards set by the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the International Fish Oil Standards or their own higher standards.
Manufacturers that adhere to the highest standards have their each batch of fish oil supplements tested for impurities and publish that information on their websites. Freshness can be measured by measuring the amount of oxidation that has occurred. Oils with a high degree of oxidation will cause fishy tasting burps and increase your intake of free radicals, a cause of cellular aging.
What is the Anti-inflammatory Activity?
A fish oil supplement that contains a combination of natural triglycerides and concentrated esters has more anti-inflammatory activity, according to recent studies. So, if you are hoping to reduce pain and stiffness in your joints or simply reduce the effects that chronic inflammation has on the cells of our bodies, you want to look for that winning combination.
The best fish oil supplements provide numerous health benefits to the heart, brain and all of the systems of the body. Now, you know how to do your comparative shopping.
About the Author: Valerie Rosenbaum knows that the benefits of fish oil are vast and incredible. But not all fish oil supplements are safe. Low quality fish oils may actually be harmful to your health, because they may contain toxic contaminants. Visit her site TakingFishOil.com to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends.
Omega3 Fish Oil and the Importance of DHA
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Omega3 fish oil should contain DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid). The amount of each of those fatty acids should be listed on the label. Each one is beneficial, but the most important is DHA.
DHA is a 22 carbon bond long chained essential fatty acid. It is essential for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants and is required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults. Low levels of DHA in the bloodstream have been associated with conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depression and aggressive behavior.
Increased intake of DHA has been shown to improve learning ability, ability to concentrate and reduces feelings of depression. Studies concerning the benefit for protecting the brain from the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease are currently ongoing. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of the brain that causes memory loss, dementia and eventually kills.
DHA omega3 fish oil has a positive effect on diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), type II or adult-onset diabetes and some types of cancer. It reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots.
DHA has good anti-inflammatory activity and helps to modulate immune system function. There are benefits for people that suffer from eczema, psoriasis, acne, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel diseases and any condition in which inflammation plays a role. Since inflammation is one of the causes of cellular aging, you might say that DHA-rich omega3 fish oil has anti-aging activity.
Both DHA and EPA have proven benefits for improving levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering total triglyceride levels. One study compared the benefits of DHA to that of EPA. The DHA group had a 26% decrease in blood triglycerides while the EPA group showed a decrease of 21%.
The human body can easily convert DHA to EPA, by removing two carbon bonds. The reverse is not true. In order to convert from EPA to DHA, the body would need to “add” two carbon bonds. That is not easily accomplished.
DPA is a lesser known omega3, although research is being conducted. Currently, we believe that it contributes to overall cardiovascular health, because it is present in high quantities in seal oil, a favored food of native Inuit peoples, who have a low incidence of cardiovascular disease, despite a diet high in fat.
Once you verify that the omega3 fish oil you are about to buy contains all of the essential fatty acids, find out what steps the manufacturer takes to insure purity and freshness. Molecular distillation is a popular choice, but it may also reduce the anti-inflammatory activity. Some recent evidence indicates that.
Some oils are naturally free of contaminants like mercury and PCBs. The manufacturer can verify that and prove it to consumers by posting an independent laboratory analysis on the company website.
With the popularity of omega3 fish oil as a dietary supplement, there has been an influx of new brand names. Your best bet is to buy online. The department store brands simply cannot be trusted.
About the Author: Valerie Rosenbaum knows that the health benefits of taking fish oil are vast and incredible. But not all omega3 fish oil is safe. Low quality fish oils may actually be harmful to your health, because they may contain toxic contaminants. Visit her site TakingFishOil.com to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends.
Benefits of Fish Oil For Women & The Entire Family
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What is the benefit of fish oil for women? Well, there are the general benefits of increasing omega-3 intake that apply to both sexes and specific benefits that have to do with a woman’s health and the health of her children.
Doctors and researchers suggest that women of child bearing age, especially those that are planning to become pregnant, should strive to meet optimal nutritional levels on a daily basis. Some of the most important nutrients, in terms of having a healthy baby are folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. Of particular importance is an omega-3 called Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA.
Folic acid (B9) deficiencies, particularly during the first 28 days after conception, cause neural tube defects like spina bifida and can cause mental retardation. DHA deficiency has been associated with learning and behavioral problems, such as attention deficit disorders. Omega-3 deficiencies in general are associated with pre-term births and postpartum depression.
If mom is not getting enough DHA in her diet, the body will pull it from every source in order to get it to the baby. That’s why taking fish oil for women is so important to her sustained mental health. One of the largest storage facilities for DHA is the brain. If she’s not getting enough in her diet, the body will break down brain cells in order to get the nutrient to the developing fetus.
Unlike other omega-3 fatty acids, DHA is only found in fatty fish and some types of marine algae. There are no other dietary sources, excepted for fortified foods. Eating a lot of fish is not always appealing to the taste buds and keeping track of which species are mercury-free and which are health hazards can be difficult.
So, that’s why healthcare professionals recommend mercury-free fish oil for women that plan to become pregnant and for those that are currently pregnant or nursing. For older women and those that are not planning a pregnancy, the supplements provide relief from PMS, menopausal symptoms and inflammatory conditions. Regular supplementation may reduce the risk of breast cancer and heart disease.
Low levels of DHA are associated with all types of depressive disorders. The symptoms of PMS and menopause vary greatly from one woman to the next, but depression or moodiness is fairly common. Cramping and lower back ache are other PMS symptoms that may be relieved.
When it comes to inflammatory conditions, the benefits of fish oil for women are the same as those for men. In arthritis and inflammatory bowel the supplement relieves pain. The reduced risk of heart disease is well recognized and a woman’s risk of heart disease increases during menopause.
There is another benefit, too that has to do with looking more youthful. Researchers have seen a 10% improvement in the skin’s firmness after three months of oral supplementation.
Of course, all supplements are not the same. It is important to compare purity and omega-3 content. Not all supplements provide the 200mg of DHA that has been recommended by researchers. But, as long as you find a good brand, there are numerous benefits of fish oil for women and no risks.
Valerie Rosenbaum thinks taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the easiest and most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
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Fish Oil For Pregnant Women & Prenatal Development of the Brain
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Recommending omega-3 fish oil for pregnant women is a relatively new idea. Doctors have suggested and prescribed pre-natal vitamins for many years, as the importance of folic acid and other nutrients is well established. Researchers are still investigating the importance of omega-3s for baby and for mom. Here’s a look at what we know.
We know that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential, meaning that the human body needs them, but cannot produce them. They must be consumed through diet. From examining dietary trends, we know that most people in industrialized nations get lots of omega-6s in their diet, but very little omega-3s.
At one time, grass fed beef and free range poultry contained some omega-3 fat. But, the switch to feeding them grain, primarily corn, has meant that omega-3s are no longer present in beef and poultry. Omega-3 fortified eggs have been introduced, but taste is a problem, as is cost. The only good dietary source of omega-3s is fish like salmon, but there is a major concern about eating too much fish, because of mercury contamination.
The primary reason for recommending fish oil for pregnant women is to supplement dietary omega-3 intake. Low intake can result in health problems for mom and for baby. Of most importance is a specific omega-3 called Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. The only dietary sources of DHA are fish and fish oils.
DHA is essential for normal brain development and function. The omega-3s found in plants and vegetables, such as flaxseed, walnuts and olives are called alpha-lipoic acid or ALA. If conditions are ideal, the body can convert some ALA to DHA, but research has shown that the converted amount will only be ½ to 1%.
The recommended daily intake of fish oil during pregnancy is 900-1000mg, of which at least 200mg should be DHA. Assuming that 1% of ALA would be converted to DHA, a woman would need to take in 20,000mg or 20grams of ALA per day.
You must remember that these supplements are fat. Adding one gram of mostly omega-3 fat to the diet is fine, only equivalent to 9 calories. Adding 20grams of fat to the diet is equivalent to 180 calories. In order to not go overboard on fat, the woman’s diet would need to be very lean. It’s an unreasonable expectation. That’s the reason for recommending fish oil for pregnant women, rather than flaxseed oil.
Years ago, when research showed that breast fed babies had healthier immune system, better vision and higher IQs, the reason was unclear. Today, researchers are relatively sure that DHA is the reason. It’s found in breast milk, but not in cow’s milk. It was only recently added to infant formulas.
If mom doesn’t get enough in her diet, the body will break down brain cells to get at the DHA stored in them. That may be one of the causes of post-partum depression. New research indicates that recommending fish oil for pregnant women could help reduce their risks of various complications and increase their chances of having a healthy, happy baby. She just needs to be sure to choose a high quality supplement and talk to her doctor.
Valerie Rosenbaum thinks taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the easiest and most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
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