Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Most of the fats we eat are the omega-6 and other types of fat, but cold water fish, nuts and seeds contain omega-3 fats. There are literally hundreds of studies and articles in the medical literature documenting the benefits of fish oil. Of course, eating a diet that is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids is good, but these foods may be high in calories, which is not good for a weight problem, or it may contain heavy metals or pesticides, which, if eaten too often can be harmful. Thus, the literature recommends fish oil supplements for most people. And if you have high triglycerides, high cholesterol, vascular disease, previous heart attack or stroke, attention deficit disorder, depression, or inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or a disease, fish oil may be part of your treatment.
How much fish oil should I take? Well, if you are interested in maintaining good health and treatment of any condition, the answer seems to be at least 1.000 to 2.000 mg per day of omega-3 fats. This dose can reduce mortality from heart attack, reduces arrhythmia. Now, dosing can be confusing because each fish oil capsule contains 1000 mg of fish oil, but smaller amounts of omega-3 fats. To determine the amount of omega-3 content, you must read the fine print on the back label that will tell you how much EPA and DHA in each capsule 1000th EPA and DHA are the specific omega-3 fatty acids. It will contain "x" amount of EPA and "Y" amount of DHA. You add these two numbers together to the total amount of omega-3 fatty acids present in each capsule of fish oil. If you add the numbers 300, a relatively low amount of omega-3 fatty acids, then it will be 4-7 capsules daily to get at least 1.000 to 2.000 mg of Omega 3 fats. This is the amount needed for those who want to prevent certain problems, but long term is not treated any particular condition.
If you are trying to treat a specific condition, you should at least 2.000 to 7.000 mg per day of omega-3 fats. This may require 7-24 caps per day, which is too much for most people. So you have to find a fish supplement, which has more omega-3 fatty acids from 300 mg per capsule of oil. Occasionally pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS will carry them, but more often you go to the health food store, vitamin shop, or find it online. There is also a prescription fish oil called Omacor, which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, contains 840 mg per capsule of omega-3 fats. Four capsules a day will provide 3360 mg daily, and are recommended for lowering triglyceride levels. Some doctors will recommend up to 7000 mg per day of omega-3 fatty acids for certain things, but you should do so only on the advice of a doctor familiar with high doses of fish oil. Fish oil appears "thin" the blood, so the cuts will bleed a little longer than usual, but keeps constant pressure on a small decrease for 5-10 minutes will usually stop the bleeding.
It is also important to purchase fish oil that is Micro filtered remove all heavy metals. Salmon and other cold water fish are at the top of the food chain, and their fat accumulates any toxins such as heavy metals, which are the algae and small fish that they eat. We accumulate the same toxins in our body that we eat, so avoid this, fish oils have been treated to remove these toxins. Also, salmon or fish oil derived from farm raised fish has been shown to have higher levels of pesticide residues in food and fertilizer in the water, and farm derived fish oil should be avoided. Ideally, pharmaceutical grade supplement is best if you do not want to take the prescription form. There are several good these supplements. Ask your doctor for advice if unsure what to buy.
