| Even with the highest dose of omega-3 benefits and | | | | converted to EPA or DHA. |
| effects may not be easily recognizable. In fact, some | | | | Most researchers now believe that in order to see |
| supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids do not | | | | improvement in any condition that may be related to a |
| provide the important docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) | | | | lack of EPA or DHA in the diet, very large amounts of |
| and eicospentaenoic acid (EPA). Supplements | | | | ALA would need to be consumed on a daily basis. A |
| containing only alpha-linolenic acid or ALA may not | | | | better alternative for strict vegetarians are |
| provide all of the health benefits associated with | | | | supplements derived from marine algae, but fish oil |
| increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. | | | | supplements are still higher in DHA. |
| DHA is needed by the brain to build and repair brain | | | | Consumers should choose their supplements carefully. |
| cells. In research studies, supplementation with DHA | | | | Some supplements are derived from the liver of the |
| has relieved the symptoms of depression, even in | | | | fish. The liver is the dumping ground for toxins and |
| people whose symptoms were severe. Results from | | | | waste. The highest concentration of mercury and |
| other studies have shown an improvement in children | | | | other contaminants is found in the liver of the fish. Fish |
| suffering from attention deficit disorder. Children who | | | | liver also contains vitamin A, not beta-carotene which |
| received supplements containing DHA derived from | | | | is safe at even high doses, but vitamin A which can be |
| fish oil were better able to stay on task and focus. | | | | toxic. |
| In patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, | | | | Some supplements add artificial flavoring to prevent |
| supplementation with DHA and EPA reduced | | | | consumers from realizing that it is rancid. Fish goes |
| symptoms of depression and agitation. Many scientists | | | | "bad" quickly. Fish oils do not have a long shelf life. The |
| believe that adequate intake of DHA throughout one's | | | | fish should be frozen immediately after being caught |
| life can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, age-related | | | | and kept frozen until the manufacturer is ready to |
| dementia and memory loss. So, even when taking the | | | | extract the oil. Only the best manufacturers use this |
| highest dose of omega-3 benefits and effects may | | | | process. |
| not be seen until later in life. It all depends on your diet. | | | | Some supplements are low in DHA. It all depends on |
| The original human diet was rich in shell fish and other | | | | the fish. For example, the New Zealand Hoki fish has a |
| marine life, as well as nuts, fruits and other plant foods. | | | | stripe of fat that runs the length of his body. This fat is |
| Some suspect that the reason man's brain developed | | | | rich in DHA, providing the highest dose of omega-3; |
| at such a high rate during the early days was due to | | | | benefits and effects include the relief or symptoms |
| his early diet. Fish, some nuts and certain fruits are all | | | | associated with allergies, arthritis and inflammatory |
| good sources of EPA and DHA, oily fish being the | | | | bowel diseases. In addition, research indicates that |
| best source. Flax seed, which is what most ALA | | | | omega-3 supplements containing EPA reduce the risk |
| supplements are derived from, was not a component | | | | of developing heart disease. Supplementation is also |
| of the diet of early man. | | | | important for people who suffer from diabetes. |
| As people settled down and began to raise animals | | | | As an example, 1000mg of fish oil derived from the |
| for food, the farm animal's diet consisted mostly of | | | | New Zealand Hoki fish contains 250mg of DHA and |
| grass and greens. Chicken ate bugs and | | | | 110mg of EPA. Other fish oils may not contain DHA. |
| grasshoppers. Today, chicken are raised indoors and | | | | Read the label, if the content is not clearly defined, |
| receive a controlled diet consisting primarily of corn and | | | | don't buy it. |
| vitamin supplements. Cattle are fed mostly grain. The | | | | Researchers have suggested that doctors |
| omega-3 content of grain fed animals is lower than | | | | recommend a fish oil supplement for their patients, but |
| that of grass-fed. | | | | few do according to surveys, usually giving lack of |
| If your diet consists primarily of poultry and beef, by | | | | time as their reason for not discussing nutrition. |
| adding the highest dose of omega-3 benefits and | | | | Research has shown that after dietary |
| effects may be obvious immediately. Many people | | | | supplementation with the highest dose of omega-3 |
| note improved ability to concentrate right away. | | | | benefits and effects have been seen in just about |
| Some people do not believe that EPA and DHA are | | | | every part of the body, including the skin and the eyes. |
| essential, because they can be created within the | | | | This is an important supplement for your present and |
| body from ALA. The problem is that the process is | | | | future health. |
| inefficient and only a small percentage of ALA is | | | | |