FISH OILS
 Summary
 Product Summary - Kilosports
  • Omega-3 fatty acids are one type of essential fatty acids, special fats that the body needs as much as it needs vitamins. (The other type is omega-6 fatty acids). Much of the research into the potential therapeutic benefits of omega-3 fatty acids began when studies of the Inuit people found that although their diets contain an enormous amount of fat from fish, seals and whales, they seldom suffer heart attacks or develop rheumatoid arthritis. This is presumably because those sources of fat are very high in omega-3 fatty acids. Subsequent investigation found that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can lower tryglyceride levels, thin the blood, and also decrease inflammation in various parts of the body. These effects, as well as others, may explain many of fish oils apparent benefits.
  • The diet of modern humans contains a relative excess of omega-6 fatty acids compared to what was the case for the bulk of our evolutionary history as a species. Many people consume essential fatty acid (EFA) supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oils, in order to rectify this imbalance and enjoy a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline (e.g. depression, memory loss), diabetes, immune system function, and more.
  • Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a lower risk of morbidity and mortality from several chronic diseases. Cold-water fish oil is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both have been found to reduce blood lipid levels in hyperlipidemic patients and may reduce cardiovascular disease risk (Nestel, 1990; 2000).
  • Besides its lipid-lowering effects, a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, is considered to have favorable effects on platelet aggregation and bleeding time with respect to risk of coronary heart disease and thrombotic disease (Dyerberg and Bang 1979, Harris 1989 , Kinsella et al. 1990 ).
  • EPA and DHA seem to reduce triacylycerol levels by suppressing their formation and stimulating the oxidation, or 'burning', of fatty acicds in the liver (Madsen et al., 1999). The latter effect seems to be most strongly associated with EPA (Madsen et al., 1999).
  • Fish oils are known to increase oxidative stress via stimulation of oxidative processes (e.g., peroxismal beta oxidation) (Demoz et al., 1994). Thus, it may be prudent to consume fish oils in combination with antioxidants, such as vitamin E and vitamin C. (Demoz et al., 1994).
  • Insulin resistance can be produced by consumption of a diet high in saturated fats. Conversely, feeding of fats containing EPA and DHA has been found to preserve insulin sensitivity (Storlien et al., 1987).
  • Alpha-Linolenic acid (abundant in Flax Seed Oil) can be converted into EPA and EPA can be converted into DHA. This rate of the former is, however, quite limited and restricted (5-10%)(Indu and Ghafoorunissa, 1992; Emken et al., 1994) possibly due to an overabundance of linoleic acid in the diet (Emken et al., 1994).
 Suggested Doses
  • Typical dosages of fish oil are 3 to 9g (3000 mg. to 9000 mg.) daily, but this is not the upper limit. In one study, participants ingested 60g daily.
  • The most important omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). In order to match the dosage used in several major studies, you should probably take enough fish oil to supply about 1.8g of EPA (1800mg) and 0.9g of DHA daily (900mg).
  • Some manufacturers add vitamin E to fish oil capsules to keep the oil from becoming rancid. Another method is to remove all the oxygen from the capsule.
  • Flaxseed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids, although of a different kind. It has been suggested as a less smelly substitute for fish oil. However, there is no evidence that it is effective when used for the same therapeutic purposes as fish oil.
 Safety Issues
  • Fish oil appears to be safe. The most common problem is fishy burps. Because fish oil has a mild blood-thinning effect, it should not be combined with powerful blood-thinning medications, such asCoumadin (warfarin) or heparin, except on a physicians advice. However, contrary to some reports, fish oil does not seem to cause bleeding problems when it is taken by itself.
  • Also, fish oil does not appear to raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Nonetheless, if you have diabetes, you should not take any supplement except on the advice of a physician.
  • Fish oil may temporarily raise the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol, but this effect seems to be short-lived, and levels return to normal with continued use.
  • If you decide to use cod liver as your fish oil supplement, make sure you do not exceed the safe maximum of vitamin A and vitamin D. These vitamins are fat soluble, which means that excess amounts tend to build up in your body, possibly reaching toxic levels. Pregnant women should not take more than 2,667 IU of vitamin A daily because of the risk of birth defects; 5,000 IU per day is a reasonable upper limit for other individuals. Look at the bottle label to determine how much vitamin A you are receiving. (it is less likely that you will get enough vitamin D to produce toxic effects.)
  • These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.