It is becoming apparent to people that we need more omega 3 fatty acids than we are getting in our normal diets. This explains the increasing popularity of fish oil supplements. Consumers now want the omega 3 recommended dose but are unsure what that means. They are concerned about balancing the need for health benefits with possible side effects.
When health professional are talking about an omega 3 recommended dose, they are referring to two essential fatty acids - DHA and EPA. They also think that 2-3 grams per day is what we need. This is how they come to these numbers.
Our immune system is a wonderful, finely tuned machine when it is at peak efficiency. Unfortunately, part of modern living is processed foods, saturated fats, chemicals, pollution etc. This lifestyle upsets that balance we need for optimal health. When we are deficient in DHA and EPA, and 90 % of us are, we will have more heart, joint, visual, skin and mental problems. These problems will likely get worse unless addressed. Two to three grams per day of DHA/EPA help restore the balance.
How does this deficiency happen?
One reason is the phrase "essential fatty acids." This means that the body can not make them. We get them by diet or supplement. Since DHA and EPA are mainly found in cold water fish, this is a problem. The FDA recommends no more than two servings of seafood per week. This will not come close to getting you the omega 3 recommended dose of 2-3 grams per day.
The FDA is concerned about the pollutants absorbed by wild fish. Farmed species have their own issues. The crowded conditions are a breeding ground for viruses and parasites.
What is the solution?
It is important to do your homework in this area. Quality supplements have ways to remove the toxins from wild fish and concentrate the oil. What we have then is a pure fish oil product loaded with DHA and EPA.
It is the mediocre ones we have to worry about. A common thread is a lack of disclosure. They will tell you about all the wonderful benefits of fish oil but will neglect to tell you how they purify their product or even exactly what is in it. As an example, when you see something like "contains mixed omega fatty acids", what does that mean? Are they omega 3s, 6s, 9s? How on earth could anyone calculate the omega 3 recommended dose of DHA and EPA?
Search their website. What is the fish source and where is it from? How was it processed? What exactly is in the capsules? The best companies provide an independent Certificate of Analysis [COA] that will tell you to the last millimeter how much of anything that is there. Then you can come up with an accurate omega 3 recommended dose.
It will also show any toxins or chemical additives they used during processing. Be vary wary of products that make claims that they can not back up. "Contaminant Free!" Great. Show it to me on the COA.
In conclusion, fish oil supplements are powerful blood thinners. If you feel it is necessary to exceed the omega 3 recommended dose of 2-3 grams per day, then make sure your product has antioxidants like vitamin E, rosemary extract and even some astaxanthin in it.
My website can help in this area.
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