Omega-3 Oils and fatty acids health benefit, dosage, treatment for medical conditions, heart disease, high blood pressure, vision problems

Omega 3 fatty acids are fascinating nutrients. Almost every aspect of our health, physical and mental, is related to the types of fatty acids that make up our cells and tissues. And it appears that most of us are not ingesting the right kind of fatty acids, the ones found in fish and fish oils. You may also consider reading about krill oil or to buy Krill-Oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as fish, flax seed oil and walnuts, while omega-6 fatty acids are found in refined vegetable oils used to make everything from margarine to baked goods and snack foods. The amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the Western diet increased sharply once refined vegetable oils became part of the average diet in the early 20th century.

Benefit of omega-3 oils and fatty acids
Here are some of the health benefits of omeg-3 consumption, particularly fish oils:
Reduction of high blood pressure or hypertension.
Reducing the risk for heart disease and heart attack.
Reducing the risk of stroke.
Improving blood circulation
Improving vision and visual acuity
Reduce arthritis pain and chronic joint aches and osteoarthritis.
Lupus natural and alternative therapy may include the use of these fatty acids, and it is possible other autoimmune diseases may benefit.
Reducing the risk of mental illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk for colon cancer or other types of cancer.

Asthma and breathing problems
Influence of Omega 3 fatty acid dietary intake on asthma.
Rev Clin Esp. 2007 Jan. De Luis DA, Leon R, Izaola O. Instituto de Endocrinologia y Nutricion. Facultad de Medicina. Unidad de Apoyo a la Investigacion. Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega. Valladolid. Espana.
Some studies have detected a beneficial effect of Omega 3 (w3) fatty acid dietary intake in the risk of asthma and other studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect on clinical symptoms. In our area, a low intake of omega3 fatty acids is rare. However, we need to recommend a right intake of w3 and w6 fatty polyunsaturated fatty acids to reach a good ratio w-6/w-3. Perhaps, the influence of polyunsaturated fatty acid intake could be due to the ratio w-6/w-3 and no to the total amount of w3 intake. A general recommendation is a dietary intake of fish three times each week, one of them fat fish.

Blood lipids, high triglyceride levels
Scientific research confirms the important role of omega-3 essential fatty acids in maintaining healthy blood triglyceride levels, as well as supporting the heart, skin and joints. Fish Oil contains an abundance of two-key Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA. It is well documented that cultures with a diet rich in fish oil have healthier cardiovascular systems.

To evaluate the effectiveness of omega-3 in patients with hyperlipidemia, researchers enrolled subjects with mixed hyperlipidemia After 3 months of treatment with either omega-3 or placebo, the participants were given the option to continue for another 12 weeks as a follow up phase. The results were not a significant change with LDL-C levels in the omega-3 group but triglyceride levels were reduced in the omega-3 group compared to the placebo group. Blood pressure was also significantly reduced in the omega-3 group compared to the placebo group. In conclusion, the researchers stated that this type of fatty acid treatment is a safe and effective therapy for patients with mixed hyperlipidemia. Bitzur R, Cohen H, Cohen T, et al. The Metabolic Effects of Omega-3 Plant Sterol Esters in Mixed Hyperlipidemic Subjects. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2010.

Bone health
Omega-3 fatty acids may help build young men's bone strength. Men who had the highest levels of omega-3s in their blood as 22-year-olds showed the greatest bone mineral density, and also built the most bone between their late teens and their early 20s, Dr. Magnus Hogstrom and colleagues from Umea University in Umea, Sweden found. The amount of bone mineral people accumulate as adolescents and young adults is considered a key factor in whether or not they will develop the brittle bone disease osteoporosis later on, Hogstrom and his team note the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Animal studies have suggested omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish and flaxseed as well as other food sources, may promote bone formation and density. To investigate whether omega-3s might play a role in bone strength, the researchers followed 78 young men from age 16 to 24. They measured bone mineral density at three points in the course of the study, and checked blood levels of fatty acids when the men were 22. Higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), were linked to greater bone mineral density in the body and the spine at age 22. Higher levels of omega-3s were also tied to greater accumulation of spinal bone mineral density between age 16 and age 22. Omega-3 fatty acids, the authors point out, might influence bone formation by affecting calcium metabolism or the formation of collagen. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2007.

Brain health, memory
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish help prevent age-related cognitive decline. In one study, Dutch researchers examined the diet and cognitive function of 210 men, ages 70 to 89, who did not have Alzheimer's disease. The men were assessed in 1990 and again in 1995. The researchers concluded that consumption of approximately 400 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per day (equivalent to eating six servings of lean fish per week or one serving of fatty fish per week) protects against cognitive decline. In the other study, American researchers looked at omega-3 consumption and cognitive decline in 2,251 white males, ages 50 to 65, who were initially assessed between 1987 and 1989. The men were checked again three and nine years later. Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with protection against loss of verbal fluency. This association was particularly strong in men with high blood pressure and dyslipidemia (disruption in the amount of lipids in the blood) but was not evident in men with major depression. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2007.

Colon cancer
Protective Effects of Diets Supplemented with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Calcium Against Colorectal Tumor Formation.
Dig Dis Sci. 2007 Nov 28; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Gulhane School of Medicine, Etlik, Ankara, 06018, Turkey.
This study is to evaluate the effect of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3 PUFA) and/or calcium supplementation on colon tissue of the carcinogenic N-methyl-N-nitrosurea (NMU)-injected rats and to investigate this effect by the assessment of the oxidative stress. The rats were divided into four groups: those fed with a standard diet, with a diet supplemented by omega-3 PUFA, those fed with a diet with calcium, and those fed with a standard diet with the combination of omega-3 PUFA and calcium. These results suggest that the dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and/or calcium may be useful in the prevention of colorectal tumor formation.

Crohn's disease
Omega 3 fatty acids are safe and may be helpful in Crohn's disease.

Diabetes, insulin sensitivity
A diet high in omega-3 fat improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammatory markers.

Glaucoma
Researchers at the University of Melbourne, Australia wanted to know whether there was an association between dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake and glaucoma. Rats were fed either omega-3-sufficient or omega-3-deficient diets from conception. The omega-3 diet contained safflower, flaxseed, and tuna oils, and the omega-3 deficient diet contained safflower oil only. Animals raised on high omega-3 diets had a decrease in intra ocular pressure when they got older, meaning that the inclusion of tuna oil in their diet reduced their risk of developing glaucoma.

Heart health
Saturated fatty acids contribute essentially to plaque formation in arteries leading to coronary artery disease.There is a beneficial effect on the clinical manifestation of coronary heart disease when saturated fatty acids of animal provenience are partially replaced by omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic and docosaexaenoic acid and rape seed oil rich in alpha linolenic acid) addition to the diet leads to a decrease in sudden cardiac death and non fatal myocardial infarction. Long-chain omega-3-fatty acids have a direct antiarrhythmic effect on myocytes.
  
Omega-3 fatty acids provide protection against stroke, particularly ischemic stroke. The cardioprotective effects of omega3 fatty acids relate to improvements in blood pressure, cardiac function, arterial compliance and vascular function, as well as improved lipid metabolism, antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects.

Heart rate
Effects of omega-3 Fatty acids on heart rate in cardiac transplant recipients.
Am J Cardiol. 2006 Nov. Harris WS, Gonzales M, Laney N, Sastre A, Borkon AM. University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri; Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas, Missouri.
Omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) consumption has been linked to reductions in the risk of death from coronary heart disease and, recently, to lower heart rates. The investigators previously observed a reduction of 5 beats/min in heart rate in patients with coronary heart disease given omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) for 4 months. Reductions in HR may be explained by enhanced vagal tone, influences on cardiac voltage-gated ion channels, or both. The hypothesis that n-3 FAs would affect HR independent of vagal input was investigated by studying the effects of n-3 FA supplementation on heart rate in patients with denervated hearts after orthotopic heart transplantation. Electrocardiographic data obtained in 2 prospective trials in which 18 heart transplant recipients received n-3 FA supplementation (1 to 3.4 g/day) for 4 to 6 months were collected. In conclusion, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced heart rate and prolonged QRS duration in heart transplant recipients who were presumably devoid of vagal innervation. These findings suggest that omga-3 FAs may modify electrophysiologic properties of the myocardium itself.

Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation.
Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2004 Nov;6(6):461-7.
Dietary omega-3 fatty acids have a variety of anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects that may be of relevance to atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations of myocardial infarction, sudden death, and stroke. The n-3 fatty acids that appear to be most potent in this respect are the long-chain polyunsaturates derived from marine oils, namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). A variety of biologic effects of EPA and DHA have been demonstrated from feeding studies with fish or fish oil supplements in humans and animals. These include effects on triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, platelet function, endothelial and vascular function, blood pressure, cardiac excitability, measures of oxidative stress, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and immune function. Epidemiologic studies provide evidence for a beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids on manifestations of coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke, whereas randomized, controlled, clinical feeding trials support this, particularly with respect to sudden cardiac death in patients with established disease. Clinically important anti-inflammatory effects in man are further suggested by trials demonstrating benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disorders.

Lung disease
Good News for those with chronic bronchitis or COPD. Japanese researchers at Kagoshima University Hospital found that supplements of omega-3 fatty acids appeared to improve patients' breathing difficulties -- possibly by countering the airway inflammation seen in the disease. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are found largely in oily fish, and to a lesser extent in flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil. COPD is a group of serious lung diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Half of the 64 patients drank a liquid supplement rich in omega-3 fats each day; the other half drank a supplement containing omega-6 fats, another type of polyunsaturated fat found in many foods, including vegetable oils and meat. After two years, patients in the omega-3 supplement group showed an overall improvement on tests that measured their breathing during a short bout of exercise.

Parkinson's disease
Mice that are fed chow supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids for a period of 10 months have better brain defenses against Parkinson's disease. Some researchers think that omeg-3 deficiency is a risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease, and that people would benefit from increasing their dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Pregnancy
Dr. Jean Golding, at the University of Bristol, has discovered an association between a low omega-3 fatty acid intake from seafood and an increased risk of high levels of depressive symptoms during pregnancy.  Dr. Jean Golding evaluated 9960 pregnant women. At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the women completed a questionnaire that included inquiries about mood and the amount of seafood they ate weekly during 1991 and 1992 -- a period when seafood was the main source of omega-3 fatty acids in Britain. Compared with pregnant women who ate 3 or more servings of seafood per week - the equivalent of more than 1.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids -- those who ate no seafood were about 50 percent more likely to report symptoms of depression at 32 weeks of pregnancy. Epidemiology, July 2009

Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, 1000 mg, 180 Softgels - Natural Factors
Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids with the same ratio found in free-swimming salmon. Many studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids found in free-swimming salmon.  Many studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have numerous health advantages and are especially helpful for the cardiovascular system.  Natural Factors supports the sustainable use of wild salmon through contributions to salmon using fish parts that would otherwise be wasted, therefore there is no depletion of existing stocks.  Natural Factors Wild Salmon Oil has no antibiotic or hormone residues often found in farmed salmon and is frequently tested for chemical residues and heavy metals.

Fish Oil Fisol Nature's Way
Each Fisol softgel delivers 30% EPA and 20% DHA. The unique coating withstands stomach acid so Fisol dissolves in the small intestine and maximizes the body's absorption of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.

Reducing Symptoms of Bechterews Disease - press release
Study Shows EPAX 5500 TG Concentrated Fish Oil Supplement Provided Relief of Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain
AALESUND, Norway (Jan. 31, 2007) -- Results from a clinical study of patients living north of the polar circle in Sweden and suffering from Ankylosing Spondolitis, or Bechterews disease, a chronic rheumatic disease mainly affecting joints of the spine, were recently presented in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology by Bjorn Sundstrom. The study demonstrates that treatment with marine- based Omega-3 fatty acids may provide relief of symptoms in Bechterew patients and possibly also delay disease progression as has been observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Bechterews disease, also known as ankylosing spondylitis, is a chronic rheumatic disease mainly affecting joints of the spine and often the larger joints of the extremities. It is more common in males than females and is closely related to a genetic marker of white blood cells, the so-called HLA-B27 antigen. This marker is especially common in people living in polar and sub-polar regions. In North Sweden this genetic pattern is found in 17 percent of the population leading to a prevalence of developing Bechterews disease of .5 percent. Inuits, the native peoples of the northern region of North America and Greenland have an even higher risk of developing the disease. Surprisingly, though, the risk of getting the disease in this region is low, and if it has developed, the symptoms are usually mild. The reason for this has been unknown until now. The use of omega-3 fatty acids having anti-inflammatory properties for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is well established in Scandinavia but no such information had previously been reported in Bechterew patients. In order to examine whether patients would respond positively to omega-3 fatty acid treatment 24 patients were randomly allocated to a high-dose omega-3 regimen given 4.5 grams daily or a low-dose regimen with two grams daily. The patients were followed for 21 weeks. The omega-3 product used was EPAX 5500 TG, a condition-specific, marine- derived, concentrate with 55 percent EPA / DHA fatty acids, from EPAX AS, Lysaker, Norway. At the end of the study disease activity was significantly reduced in the high-dose group with fewer patient-reported symptoms. Some patients reported even an increased mental alertness. However, no effect was observed in the low-dose group. Dosage of omega-3 fatty acids is essential since doses of three grams or more are needed for achieving effects. In the present study, positive effects were only recorded in the high-dose group. "Perhaps this study from North Sweden sheds light on the mystery why Inuits having the genetic marker for developing Bechterews do not develop the disease very often," said Sundstrom. Traditionally, the Inuits have a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating salmon and sea mammals that provide a regular daily intake of these fatty acids that have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties. Such a dietary regimen could be sufficient to curtail a genetic preponderance for developing the disease." Sundstrom noted that in North Sweden, however, the inhabitants have a more general non-marine diet and may therefore be more disposed to developing Bechterews disease than those with marine-heavy diets. The present study clearly indicates that patients with Bechterews disease may benefit from a treatment with omega-3 fatty acids. Such a dietary regimen could eventually be sufficient to curtail a genetic preponderance for developing the disease."

Omega-6 versus omega-3 fatty acids health effects
Studies indicate that a high intake of omega-6 fatty acids shifts the physiologic state to one that encourages blood clotting and platelet aggregation, increases in blood viscosity, spasm of blood vessels, and vasoconstriction. Omega-3 Fatty acids, however, have antiinflammatory, antithrombotic, antiarrhythmic, hypolipidemic, and vasodilatory properties.

Statin drugs
People taking cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins, such as Crestor, who also consume omega-3 fatty acids  --  typically found in fish and fish oil -- have a better chance of avoiding heart problems than patients who take statins alone. "Our study shows that long-term use of EPA (an omega-3 fatty acid) at therapeutic doses is effective for prevention of major coronary events in hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) patients given statins in Japan who consume a large amount of fish," said lead researcher Dr. Mitsuhiro Yokoyama. He is a professor of medicine at the Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine. In the study, called the Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study, Yokoyama and his colleagues assigned 18,645 people to receive either 1,800 milligrams of one of the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), every day plus a statin, or a statin alone. During an average follow-up of 4.6 years, the researchers found a 19 percent reduction in major coronary events among patients taking EPA. Patients taking EPA also had 19 percent fewer non-fatal events -- including non-fatal heart attack, unstable angina, and coronary revascularization -- than people taking statins alone. However, the incidence of sudden cardiac death and death from heart disease did not differ between the groups. "This study is further evidence of the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids for protecting against heart attacks and other cardiac events," said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, and author of an accompanying editorial in the journal.


References:
1) Sundstrom B, et al. Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Scand J Rheumatol 2006;35:359-362
2) Fortin PR et al. The effects of fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis; validation of a meta-analysis. J Clin Epidemiol 1995; 48:1379-1390

June 2009
Paladin Labs Inc., a leading Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of GELICIOUS! and GELMEG3, the first and only Omega 3 supplements in a tasty gel format, specifically designed for those among us who do not like to and/or cannot swallow pills. Both GELICIOUS! for kids and GELMEG3 for adults contain Health Canada approved key levels of DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) that previously could have proved difficult for non-fish eaters to ensure they consume as part of their normal daily nutritional intake. With these branded products Paladin is excited to extend its innovative approach from prescription and OTC products into the realm of nutritional supplements via the BioEnvelop division. Both Gelicious! and GelMeg3 are not only unique given their creamy orange texture, but both brands are truly satisfying a unique need in the marketplace as research indicates that at least 40% of adults have issues with swallowing pills. For the first time in Canada - a convenient Omega 3 daily supplement that tastes great at room temperature or cold.

Blood test
A blood test, measuring the level of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells, is available for the the public as a consumer-friendly, at-home "finger stick" test. While scientists have long known of the benefits of fish and fish oil for overall heart health, over the past decade research has proven that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish dramatically reduce one's risk for cardiovascular disease. Further, recent research indicates that omega-3 levels may be among the best predictors of future coronary heart disease - providing much stronger correlations to the risk of sudden cardiac death than traditional indicators, including HDL and LDL cholesterol. The Gene Smart Omega-3 Index measures the amount of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cell membranes and is expressed as the percent of total fatty acids. Floyd "Ski" Chilton, PhD, a pioneer in inflammatory disease and omega-3 research and a professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine says that individuals have varying capacities to metabolize omega-3s. "Even if a person eats fish or takes fish oil supplements, they may not be getting enough," Dr. Floyd Chilton says. In introducing the Gene Smart Omega-3 Index, Gene Smart has partnered with a pioneer of omega-3 research and cardiovascular disease, William S. Harris, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and Basic Biomedical Sciences at the Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota and a co-author on the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Advisory on Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids published in Circulation (Vol. 106:2002). Dr. Harris has published over 80 scientific articles on omega-3s, including his ground-breaking study, published in Preventive Medicine (Vol. 39, 2004) with co-author Clemens von Schacky, MD, a cardiologist from Munich, which first proposed the Omega-3 Index as a cardiovascular risk factor. The Gene Smart Omega-3 Index uses Dr. Harris's proprietary HS-Omega-3 Index methodology -- the same methodology used in the clinical studies that validated the correlation between the Omega-3 Index and heart disease risk. In addition to measuring the amount of omega-3s in the bloodstream, the new Gene Smart blood test provides a measure of a person's omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Leading experts believe that the marked shift in omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids in the Western diet over the past three generations has led to an overall increase in chronic whole body inflammation and a higher incidence of allergic and inflammatory disease including cardiovascular disease, asthma, allergies, diabetes and arthritis. This is of concern because omega-3s tend to be anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective, while consuming too many omega-6 fats can lead to an overproduction of inflammatory messengers. Dr. Chilton's latest research in nutrient/gene interactions, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry (June 5, 2009), demonstrated that shifting ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 from greater than 15:1 to less than 5:1 in humans can positively influence genes that provide protection against allergies and other inflammatory diseases. According to Floyd Chilton, the increased omega-6 fatty acids in the typical U.S. diet is due in large part to the industrialization of our food supply and increased consumption of omega-6 rich foods such as vegetable oils, salad oils, margarine and fried foods. Combined with a reduced consumption of omega-3 rich fish, this has resulted in omega-6 / omega-3 ratios often well in excess of 10:1. Anthropological evidence suggests that our hunter-gatherer ancestors maintained a ratio closer to 2:1. Gene Smart Wellness (GSW) is a preventative healthcare company that utilizes understanding of the relation between diet and exercise, our genes and our health to empower individuals to take control of their health in order to live life abundantly. Floyd "Ski" Chilton, PhD, is the company's Chief Scientific Advisor and author of numerous articles and books on health and nutrition. His most recent book, The Gene Smart Diet (Rodale, 2009), makes the connection between what we eat, our genes and our health. Dr. Chilton is a professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Chief Scientific Advisor to GeneSmart Wellness, the company offering the Omega-3 Index test. His conflict of interest( )has been disclosed to Wake Forest University Health Sciences and outside sponsors and is institutionally managed.

Omega 3 supplement questions
Q. i read that omega3 in fish oil can increase level of apoprotein associated with ldl, Should this woory those > who take fish oil? And assuming the level of apoprotein is increased, does that mean that my Lp(a) will automatically increase? i learned that Lp(a) is ldl plus apoprotein.
   A. We think fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids are good for lipids in the body.

Q. I am deciding between purchasing the Source Naturals cod liver oil  omega 3 or GPRX Omega-3 AD from gprxstore.com. Are there any key advantages that Source Naturals cod liver oil product can offer?
   A. We are not familiar with the other product you mention.

Q. What are your thoughts on omega 3-6-9 products? My wife and I have been taking Omega 3-6-9 by Puritan's Pride for several years.
   A. Regarding omega 3 6 9 products, there is no reason to ingest omega 6 since the American diet already has too much omega 6. The omega-3s are the ones that are lacking.

Q. I would like to take omega3 fish oils but I'm confused about what type, how much and so on. Do you need the Omega 6 and 9 too? Should the DHA be higher then the EPA and if so what should the daily dosage of each be.
   A. Most Americans need more omega3 in a supplement form than omega6 or omega9. Wild fish oils are a great option in terms of providing the excellent omega3s in the form of EPA and DHA at one to three capsules a day.

Q. Is omega H3 for weight gain, for i am really want to gain weight. At the moment i am using Omega H3. Is it good for weight gain.
   A. We are not familiar with this product.

What does someone do that when allergic to shellfish? Do you have an omega 3 that does not have shell fish in it?
   Omega 3 fish oil supplements are obtained from the meat of fish such as mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, cod liver and halibut, not from shellfish. We have no reason to believe those with shellfish allergy would have problems taking fish oil supplements. However, your doctor is the final decision maker as to the appropriateness of taking fish oil supplements in your particular condition.

Regarding omega-3 enriched foods that are being marketed. From what I've read, everything from orange juice to cereals to eggs have been fortified. Do these added amounts of omega-3 make much of a difference or is it mainly a marketing gimmick? And of the omega-3 enriched food products available, which ones do you think really deliver, if any?
   We have not read the labels to see how much omega-3 is added to the food products. The bottom line may be cost. If the amount of enriched omega-3 adds significantly to the cost of the product which would be higher than the cost of taking one cheap fish oil capsule, then I see no reason to pay extra for omega-3 enriched foods.

I would like to know if fish oil is bad for a woman who have a high testosterone, does fish oil make it higher or do not do anything?
    We have not seen such studies but it is unlikely the use of such supplements has a major effect on testosterone levels.

Suppliers
Nordic Naturals, an industry leader in omega-3 fish oil, introduces Omega-3 Effervescent, an innovative way to enjoy fish oil supplementation via a water-soluble drink mix containing EPA and DHA in a delicious orange flavor. This revolutionary delivery system is clean on the palate and offers all the amazing health benefits of omega-3s and vitamin D3, such as heart, brain, joint and bone support, without any hint of fish. Packaged in single-serving packets, the product is easy to use and lets you Drink Your Omegas-3s(TM) anytime and anywhere. Just add water! Each serving offers 500 mg of EPA and DHA as well as 1200 I.U. of vitamin D3.According to Bradley West, ND, Nordic Naturals Research Advisor, "in traditional delivery systems like soft gels, the omega-3s in cod liver oil need to be gradually broken down by stomach acids in order to be absorbed in the small intestine. With the effervescent technology in place, the omega-3s can be absorbed and enter the blood stream faster - in as little as 15 minutes." In addition to quicker absorption, the product is also easy on the stomach. The organic food acid combines with the carbonate, which buffers the effervescent solution to a normal pH. "Omega-3 Effervescent is the ultimate solution for individuals with digestive challenges, or those that find it hard to swallow soft gels, as well as the perfect way to ensure compliance when traveling," adds Dr. West.Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Effervescent contains cod liver oil made from Arctic cod harvested in a sustainable manner from Norwegian waters. Arctic cod is a flourishing fish population that has the highest DHA content of any cod species, as well as naturally occurring vitamins A and D. The formula contains added natural vitamin D3 for enhanced bone, mood and immune support. Sweetened with stevia in creamy orange flavor, the product has no oily feel or texture and never smells or tastes fishy. Omega-3 Effervescent is available in 7 and 21 count packages and can be used by both children and adults.


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