The health benefits of taking fish oil supplements (Omega-3 fatty acid) are now well documented in numerous studies throughout the world. (Albert, Hennekens, O'Donnell, et al., 1998; Appel, 1999; Baumgaertel, 1999). Omega-3 fatty acid is a mixture of fatty acids obtained from marine fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids, which means that they are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body, therefore omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food such as fish and certain plant oils. There are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body. EPA and DHA are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, and herring. ALA is found in flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, canola (rapeseed) oil, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil, purslane, perilla seed oil, walnuts, and walnut oil. It is noteworthy to mention that both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (another essential fatty acid), play a crucial role in a normal growth and development and it is extremely important to maintain an appropriate balance of both fatty acids in the diet as these two substances work together to promote health. An inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the development of disease while a proper balance should consist of roughly one omega-3 fatty acid to four omega-6 fatty acids. The typical Mediterranean diet consists of a healthy balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and many studies have shown that people who follow this diet are less likely to develop heart disease. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, garlic, as well as moderate wine consumption.
Key Benefits
In general, this essential fatty acid helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower triglycerides, promote a general sense of health and wellbeing as well help improve a growing number of other mind and body related conditions.
Omega-3 fatty acid is used to reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood of those individuals considered to be at special risk of ischemic heart disease and pancreatitis. It is important to mention that triglycerides are made naturally in the body and are also absorbed from food. However, high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke, and there are indications that lowering triglyceride levels makes the bad cholesterol less dangerous. Also, if levels of these lipids are too high in the blood, they are deposited on the walls of blood vessels. Eventually this leads to a narrowing of the blood vessels and they can become blocked completely. If this happens the blood supply is stopped and the person affected can suffer a heart attack or stroke.
Omega-3 fatty acid reduces the production of triglycerides by the liver. It also has a slight blood thinning effect which can help in the prevention of diseases of the circulatory system which lead to heart attacks and strokes. Omega-3 fatty acid supplement can also be given with other medication after a heart attack to help prevent a second heart attack. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acid [(eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)] can increase weight and lean body mass (LBM), and improve physical activity and quality of life in pancreatic cancer patients (Moses et al., 2004).
Furthermore, Omega-3 fatty acid could also protect against diabetes. In particular children who have a higher risk of developing the condition lower their chances by up to 55% if they consumed fatty acids from food (fish, fish oils) or by taking fatty acids supplements of an excellent quality. The study published in the Journal of American Medical Association, scientists looked at whether consumption of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids had any effect on the disease. A number of 1,770 children was tested who had an increased risk of type-1 diabetes between 1994 and 2006. Scientists revealed that higher consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a lower risk of IA.
Before Taking Omega-3 fatty acid
Before taking Omega-3 fatty acid supplement make sure your health care specialist knows:
if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
if you suffer from bleeding disorders or are taking an anticoagulant medicine
if you suffer from diabetes
if you have asthma which gets worse if you take aspirin
if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
Possible Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use omega-3 fatty acid supplements without first talking to your healthcare specialist
Blood-thinning Medications
Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the blood-thinning effects of aspirin or warfarin. While the combination of aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids may actually be helpful under certain circumstances (such as heart disease), they should only be taken together under the guidance and supervision of your healthcare specialist
Cyclosporine
Taking omega-3 fatty acids during cyclosporine therapy may reduce toxic side effects (such as high blood pressure and kidney damage) associated with this medication in transplant patients.
Etretinate and Topical Steroids
The addition of omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA) to a drug regimen of etretinate and topical corticosteroids may improve symptoms of psoriasis.
Cholesterol-lowering Medications
Following certain nutritional guidelines, including increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet and reducing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, may allow a group of cholesterol lowering medications known as "statins" (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) to work more effectively.
How to Take Omega-3 fatty acid
· Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
· Be sure to buy omega-3 fatty acid supplements made by established companies who certify that their products are free of heavy metals such as mercury.
· Try to take Omega-3 fatty acid supplement at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
· If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember.
· Take Omega-3 fatty acid with or immediately after food.
Getting the most from your Omega-3 fatty acid
Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Omega-3 fatty acid.
Many people are able to control their condition by carefully following their doctor's directions for a healthy diet and exercise. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may be given for additional help and this supplement is more effective when a healthy diet is also followed.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplement is less effective if you are greatly overweight. It may be very important for you to go on a weight reducing diet. However, check with your health care specialist before going on any diet or weight loss program.
Even if you do not feel unwell, never stop taking Omega-3 fatty acid without checking with your health care specialist. When you stop taking Omega-3 fatty acid, your triglyceride levels may increase again.
Do not smoke. Smoking tends to increase your cholesterol level and also puts a strain on the heart and circulatory system.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol while you are taking Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. It is important to note that alcohol can also increase your cholesterol levels.
Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
Keep your regular appointments with your health care specialist so your progress can be checked and effectively monitored.
Can Omega-3 fatty acid supplements cause problems?
So what are the risks? If you are taking a good quality fish oil at the correct dosage, then the risk of experiencing side effects is rare. By far the most common side effect reported is a slight fishy taste in the mouth after taking the oil, and "fishy burps". However Herbalifeline has been put through a unique procedure to completely eliminate this problem. Other side effects are not so common and include diarrhoea, heartburn, and nausea. There is also the possibility of occasional nosebleeds as well as easy bruising. Yet, these side effects were reported by people taking huge daily doses of such a supplement.
It is noteworthy to mention that there have been numerous reports in the press about the high levels of toxins, such as mercury, present in fish, making fresh fish somewhat risky. As fish oil is made from fish, there is a slight possibility that some of these toxins could find their way into the fish oil. One way to avoid this is to purchase a high quality fish oil supplement such as Herbalifeline. Herbalifeline is the best, purest and most advanced kind of fish oil on the market today; any harmful toxins have been filtered out leaving a pure and safe fish oil.
To conclude it is recommendable to always speak to your health care specialist and seek advice if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:
· Feeling sick, diarrhoea, belching with an odour or taste of fish, a bloated feeling in the tummy, constipation or skin rash such as eczema and acne. Given the fact that sometimes Omega-3 fatty acid may cause constipation, to prevent constipation it is important to: Eat a well balanced diet containing roughage (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables). Drink plenty of fluids, six to eight full glasses of liquid each day. Take daily exercise.
· One important point to remember is that fish oil thins the blood, so it is advisable to check with your doctor before taking fish oil if you are already taking other blood thinners such as aspirin, for example.
Note: If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this supplement, discuss them with your health care specialist.
By Konstantina Fyta, Ph.D
Educator and Cellular Nutrition Advisor
References
Albert, C. M., Hennekens, C. H., O'Donnell C. J., et al. (1998). Fish consumption and risk of sudden cardiac death. JAMA, 279(1):23-28.
Appel, L. J. (1999). Nonpharmacologic therapies that reduce blood pressure: a fresh perspective. Clinical Cardiology., 22(Suppl. III):III1-III5.
Baumgaertel, A. (1999). Alternative and controversial treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatr Clin of North Am 46(5):977-992.
Moses, A. W. G., Slater, C., Preston, T., Barber, M. D., & Fearon, K. C. H. (2004). Reduced total energy expenditure and physical activity in cachectic patients with pancreatic cancer can be modulated by an energy and protein dense oral supplement enriched with n-3 fatty acids. British journal of cancer, vol.90, n5, pp.996-1002.
