Fish Oils Support Healthy Hearts & More

Fish oils come from cold water fish such as cod, herring, tuna, mackerel, salmon, and other marine life such as phytoplankton.  The two most studied fish oils are the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the doxosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with the average ratio of EPA to DHA being 1.5.  DHA is an especially important component of human cellular membranes, especially those in the brain and retina.

Supplemental fish oils have triglyceride-lowering activity,  and fish oils may have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and immune system modulating actions.  Treatment of myocardial infarction and stroke patients with one gram of fish oil daily significantly reduces the risk of overall and sudden death. 

Studies also show that three or more grams (equal to three or more 1000mg softgels) of fish oil daily experience significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with untreated hypertension.

Joint,  Intestinal, and Skin Support

When at least 3 grams of fish oil is taken for at least three months, studies show that the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be alleviated (tender joints and morning stiffness reduced). 

Other studies show promising results for Crohn's disease.  In one double-blind trial of Crohn's patients, subjects taking fish oil had a significantly reduced relapse rate, without notable adverse effects. 

Ulcerative colitis subjects given 3 to 4 grams of fish oil daily reported improved health, and a few open studies have suggested that fish oil can positively affect psoriasis treatment.

Fish Oil & Healthy Moods

Scientists are intrigued by the fact that in countries with the highest fish consumption, depression rates are far lower than their less-fishy friends!  In an animal study, omega-3 fatty acids raised serotonin levels in the brain, and healthy serotonin levels are critically linked to healthy moods.  A patient who participated in the Massachusetts General Hospital study (overseen by Dr. David Mischoulon) reported results within three weeks. 

In general, fish oils are considered a healthy addition to most Western diets!  Some facts on the Co-op's fish oil:

1. Our Fish Oil is currently made from Norwegian fish oil by one of the largest fish oil producers in the world (headquartered in Norway and supporting research of marine omega-3 EPA and DHA on health for more than 15 years).
2. Fish used to make the crude oil comes mainly from sardine, anchovy and mackerel families (NOT farmed salmon!) and it is cholesterol free!
3. Similar to edible oils and fats, the crude fish oil goes through standard manufacturing processes to ensure quality (i.e., de-acidification, winterization, deodorization, etc.).
4. The next process is “molecular distillation.” What the heck is “molecular distillation,” you ask? A special instrument is used to spin the oil rapidly, allowing different substances to be separated based on their molecular weight. In this process, toxins, such as mercury and PCBs, are separated from the fish oil.
5. Natural vitamin E (an antioxidant) is added to our Fish Oil before encapsulation to protect the oil against rancidity.

In addition, we have a third party test for the quality and mercury levels of the Fish Oil when it arrives in our warehouse. You can see these results, online, on our Quality Testing page.

Studies:

• Appel LJ, Miller ER III, Seidler AJ, Whelton PK.  Does supplementation of diet with 'fish oil' reduce blood pressure? A meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.  Archives of Internal Medicine, 1993; 153:1429-1438
• Kremer, JM. n-3 Fatty acid supplements in rheumatoid arthritis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;71:349s-351s.
• Montori, Viktor M., Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, " Fish Oil Lowers Triglycerides With Little or No Glycemic Effect in Type 2 Diabetics"
• Schmitz, Paul. Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 2000, Fish Oil Supplements Found to Dramatically Reduce Clotting for Dialysis Patients.
• Stoll, AL, Severus WE, Freeman MP, et al. Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder, American Medical Association's Archives of General Psychiatry. 1999; 56:407-412  Fish oil found to ease manic depression.
• Von Schacky C, Angerer P, Kothny W, et al. The effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on coronary atherosclerosis. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 1999; 130:554-562.
• Science News, May 29, 2003, Fish Oils In Heart Cells Can Block Dangerous Heart Rhythms
• University of Washington’s Cardiovascular Health Research Unit & Veteran's Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Fish Oil Editorial
• Summers WK. Alzheimer's disease, oxidative injury, and cytokines. J Alzheimers Dis. 2004 Dec;6(6):651-7; discussion 673-81.
• Article: Eat fish, be happy! Third Age: Health and Wellness. By Judy Foreman.

Notes:

1. Fish oil products should contain antioxidants such as tocopherol to protect against their oxidation.
2. Because of the possible antithrombotic effect of fish oil supplements, hemophiliacs and those taking warfarin (Coumadin), or other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), dipyridamole (Persantine), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid) and others should exercise caution in use of fish oils.
3. Conflicting results have been reported regarding the effects of fish oil supplements on glycemic control in those with glucose intolerance, including type 2 diabetics. Doses below 6 grams per day do not seem to affect blood glucose. 
4. Patients taking anti-hypertensive drugs may experience additive effects with fish oil on lowering blood pressure.
5. Fish oils can reduce cyclosporine-induced hypertension after heart transplants and can protect against cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity.
6. Use of fish oils with etretinate can enhance the effects in psoriasis treatment. 
7. Higher doses of fish oils might cause suppression of immune and inflammatory response. Immunocompromised (HIV/AIDS) patients should avoid exceeding 3 grams per day.