GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in primarily
in fish oils but are also present in vegetable oils, are essential fatty acids – in that they are
not made by the body and must be supplied by the diet or
supplements. Scientists first became interested in omega-3
fatty acids when it was reported that the Eskimo population, who eat a diet rich in fish oil,
had a low rate of heart disease. Mackerel, salmon, sea bass,
trout, herring, sardines, sablefish (black cod), anchovies,
and tuna, as well as cod liver oil supplements, are rich sources of both DHA and EPA. Fish oil
contains two types of omega-3 fatty acids: DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). The
majority of fish oil supplements contain 18% EPA and
12% DHA.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Recent research has found that omega-3’s acids taken in supplement form can significantly lower the risks associated with heart disease.
Some studies have found that while omega-3’s appear to have little effect on total cholesterol levels, they can significantly decrease serum triglyceride levels, lower blood
pressure, and reduce blood levels
of homocysteine, high levels of
which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease
and stroke. Elevated homocysteine levels have also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and osteoporosis Omega-3’s also
help to thin the blood by discouraging platelets in
the blood from clumping together, thus reducing the risk
that blood will clot and cause a heart attack. Preliminary research also suggests that omega-3 fatty
acids from fish oil may help regulate the rhythm of the
heart, as both EPA and DHA have been reported to help
prevent cardiac arrhythmias. Potent anti-inflammatory agents, omega-3’s help curb
an overactive immune system and thus are helpful in the
treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory
bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.
Omega-3’s are also effective
in curbing the inflammatory response to severe burns,
sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and asthma. At least one study
has found that omega-3’s can improve the clinical outcome for newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Omega-3 fats are required for normal brain
development during pregnancy and during the first two years of life. If mother and infant are
deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids, the infant’s immune and
nervous systems may not develop correctly.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Eat fish several times a week for naturally
occurring omega-3s and the nutrients that accompany them. Use canola oil in cooking and salad
dressings. Fish oil capsules should be taken only with
guidance from a qualified nutritionist. The majority of research into the effects of DHA and
EPA in humans have used doses of at least 3g of DHA plus EPA
supplements. To obtain a similar amount of DHA and EPA from
fish oil it may be necessary to consume as much as 10g, as most fish oils contains only 18% EPA
and 12% DHA.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Not established – however the one study found that the maximum amount of fish oil tolerated
by people being treated for cancerrelated weight loss was
roughly 21g per day. Although the maximum tolerated amount
in people without cancer may well be
different.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with heart disease or diabetes should
consult their doctor before taking more than 3g of fish oil a day as there is some evidence to
suggest that the supplement may raise cholesterol levels and
blood sugar levels.
