Fish Oil

      Fish oil is extracted from the tissues of oily fish. Fish oil is necessary for a healthy diet due to the fact that it contains high amounts of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega 3 is mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are precursors to eicosanoids, substances that helps in the reduction of inflammation throughout the body. The fish itself does not produce Omega-3 Fatty acids, they accumulate Omega-3 after consuming microalgae which is the organism that produces Omega-3. Herring and Sardines accumulate Omega-3 by eating microalgae while predatory fish like Mackerel and Salmon accumulate Omega-3 by eating prey fish that have already accumulated microalgae. It is not recommended to consume large amounts of predatory fish because they are on the top of the food chain. Being on the top of the food chain means that they also accumulate high levels of toxic substances like mercury, dioxin, PCBs and chlordane. There are Omega-3 sources which come purely from algae, these products are intended to be used by Vegetarians.

Fish Oil Benefits

- There are studies that were published in 2004 and 2009 that says that fish oil may be able to reduce the symptoms of depression and thus reduce the risk of suicide. Blood serum levels of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were lower on those people who have attempted suidicide

- One study found out that Omega-3 exerts neuroprotective action in Parkinson's disease. Omega-3 also has neuroprotective action in Alzheimer's disease according the study from Louisiana State University in September 2005.

- There are studies which report the possible anti-cancer effects of n-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil. Omega-3 may be particularly helpful in stopping breast, colon and prostate cancer

- Some experts says that the consumption of fish oil can actually help in the regulation of cholesterol inside the body. The regulation of cholesterol is because of the high amounts of Omega-3 in fish oil.

Fish Oil Side Effects

       Omega 3 in high doses used for the treatment of some disorders may have some side effects. The said omega 3 side effects may subside after a few days. Other possible Omega 3 side effects are:

-Aftertaste., when you first take fish oil, there might be an after taste. after a few days or a few weeks of use, this aftertaste will disappear.

- Abdominal discomfort. Some degree of lose stools or diarrhea may initially show.

- Fishy burps. Take your fish oil on a different time of the day. You can also chill or freeze your fish oil softgel so that they dissolve on you intestine and not on you stomach. As a last resort, you can use an enteric coated fish oil capsule.

-Be careful if you are taking Cod liver oil because it has both Vitamin A and D on it. These vitamins can accumulate in the body and they could lead to an overdose.

Fish oil supplements ( Fish oil capsules and Fish oil softgels )

       Most commercial fish oil supplements are 18% EPA and 12% DHA, or a total of 30% omega-3. There has been a growing concern about fish oil supplements that have been reported to have exceeded the PCB levels set by Government Agencies. The International Fish Oil Standards program has a voluntary review process which monitors the PCB levels and other contaminants that may be present on the fish oil. There are also patented processes which can remove pullutants such as dioxins from fish oil to very low levels. The European Union have set a limit on the percentage of the toxins that can be present on fish oil.

EPA fish oil and DHA fish oil

       ( DHA Omega-3, or docosahexaenoic acid ) is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid that is needed for overall health. DHA is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid that can be found in cell membranes all throughout the body. DHA exists in the brain, heart, and eye tissues. DHA supports both cardiovascular health and optimuml brain function. EPA also plays a key role in nerve function. EPA is required for the synthesis of prostaglandins which is needed to control blood clotting and arterial functions. EPA also helps lower serum triglycerides.