Fish Oils health benefit and fish oil side effects
Supplements of fish oils benefit heart, mood, arthritis, and many conditions

Fish oils 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. Another product is Fisol.

Fish oil side effects
Taking one to three fish oil supplements should not cause side effects. Very high dosages of fish oil supplements could lead to side effects such as fishy taste in the mouth, insomnia, and lowering of immune system. A fish oil side effect of concern is blood thinning which is a good thing except in those who are taking Coumadin or other blood thinners. It may be a good idea to stop fish oil supplements a couple of weeks before major surgery.

Fish Oil Physical Benefits
Fish and fish oils may be beneficial in a variety of medical conditions (see the studies at bottom of page):

Fish oil supplements reduce the risk for heart disease
Fish oils reduce the risk of heart arrhythmias
May reduce symptoms of arthritis and several autoimmune conditions.
Eating fish and perhaps taking fish oil supplements may also help reduce the risk for macular degeneration.
Fish oils are found in sperm, and these oils may support healthy sexual organ function.
Fish oils improve eyesight.
     
Fish Oil mental benefits
Dr. Malcolm Peet of the Swallownest Court Hospital in Sheffield, England and his colleague found that depressed patients who received a daily dose of 1 gram of an omega-3 fatty acid for 12 weeks experienced a decrease in their symptoms, such as sadness, anxiety and sleeping problems.
   Fish oils are beneficial for vision.

Fish oils for heart health - influence of fish oils on heart myocardium
Fish oil use could reduce the risk for cardiac arrhythmias. Unfortunately most doctors are not familiar with this approach.

Fish oil curtails the human action potential dome in a heterogeneous manner: Implication for arrhythmogenesis.Int J Cardiol. 2007 Nov 23. Experimental Cardiology Group (ECG), Center for Heart Failure Research, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega3-PUFAs) from fish oil modulate various ion channels, including the L-type calcium current. As a result, fish oil shortens the cardiac action potential and may cause a loss of the dome of the action potential. Under conditions of increased preexisting heterogeneity in repolarization this may aggravate dispersion in action potential duration. We isolated ventricular myocytes of explanted hearts from patients with cardiomyopathy at the time of cardiac transplantation, and characterized spike-and-dome morphology in the presence of acutely administered fish oil. Fish oil omega3-PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but not the control omega9-PUFA oleic acid, curtails the action potential-dome in a heterogeneous manner and may even result in loss of the action potential-dome in some but not all myocytes.

Effects of fish-oil supplementation on myocardial fatty acids in humans.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 May;85(5):1222-8. Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
The study examined the kinetics of incorporation of n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)  into human myocardial membrane phospholipids during supplementation with fish oil and alpha-linolenic acid-rich flaxseed oil. Patients with low self-reported fish intake (<1 fish meal/wk and no oil supplements) accepted for elective cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly allocated to 1 of 6 groups: no supplement; fish oil (6 g EPA and DHA per day) for either 7, 14, or 21 d before surgery; flaxseed oil; or olive oil (both 10 mL/d for 21 d before surgery). Right atrial appendage tissue removed during surgery and blood collected at enrollment and before surgery were analyzed for phospholipid fatty acids. Surgery rescheduling resulted in a range of treatment times from 7 to 118 d. In the fish-oil-treated subjects, accumulation of EPA and DHA in the right atrium was curvilinear with time and reached a maximum at approximately 30 d of treatment and displaced mainly arachidonic acid. Flaxseed oil supplementation yielded a small increase in atrial EPA but not DHA, whereas olive oil did not significantly change atrial n-3 fatty acids. The results of the present study show that dietary n-3 fatty acids from fish oils are rapidly incorporated into human myocardial phospholipids at the expense of arachidonic acid during high-dose fish-oil supplementation.

Immediate effects of n-3 fatty acid infusion on the induction of sustained ventricular tachycardia.
Schrepf R. linikum der Universitat Munchen, 80336 Munich, Germany. Lancet. 2004 May 1;363(9419):1441-2.
Increased consumption of n-3 fatty acids reduces mortality from sudden cardiac death, indicating that such acids have anti-arrhythmic effects. We did electrophysiological testing in ten patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators who were at high risk of sudden cardiac death. To assess their immediate effects on the induction of sustained ventricular tachycardia, n-3 fatty acids were infused. Such tachycardia was not induced in five of seven patients. Our findings show that infusion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids does not induce arrhythmia, but did result in a reduction of sustained ventricular tachycardia in some patients.

What's the difference between fish oil and cod liver oil?
Fish oil supplements are dietary supplements that contain oil from the fatty flesh of cold water fish such as mackerel, anchovy, and sardines. The active ingredients in fish oil supplements are essential fatty acids known as omega-3 fatty acids. They typically include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Cod liver oil is derived from the liver of cod fish. Cod liver oil contains Vitamins A and D and has a different concentration of EPA and DHA than fish oils. Cod liver oil has a higher ratio of DHA to EPA, while fish oils have a higher ratio of EPA to DHA. But, overall, fish oils have almost twice the amount of total EPA plus DHA than cod liver oil per same size capsule or teaspoon.
   To summarize, cod liver oil has the additional Vitamins A and D, a higher ratio of DHA to EPA, but about half as much total EPA plus DHA than fish oils. Practically speaking, they are both healthy to ingest, but if you want a higher amount of total EPA and DHA, you would go with fish oils.

Metabolism of Fish Oils
Fish oils are made in the body from a fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid found predominantly in flaxseed oil (also known as linseed) and hemp seed oil. Green leafy vegetables, soybeans, walnuts, and canola oil have small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial because they provide fluidity to cell membranes and improve communication between brain cells. Omega-3s also reduce the clotting ability of platelets, thus potentially decreasing the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Two very important omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) which together are found in fish oils. These fatty acids are found in seafood, especially mackerel, salmon, striped bass, rainbow trout, halibut, tuna, and sardines.

How are Fish Oils available?
Supplements of fish oils that contain EPA and DHA are sold over the counter. DHA is also sold by itself. In the body, DHA is found mostly in the brain, retina, and in sperm. At this time I don't see a need to take DHA by itself. It's much cheaper and perhaps better to take both EPA and DHA together.

Fish Oils and Prostate Cancer
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, and decreasing intake of omega-6 oils, may help prevent the spread of prostate cancer. The types of fats we consume do influence the function of our organs. In laboratory studies, scientists at  Christie Hospital in Manchester, England found that fish oils could block the spread of cancerous cells. Omega-6 oils, found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, apparently increased the spread of tumor cells into bone marrow. This invasion was blocked by omega 3 fats -- the ones found in oily fish. The researchers believe omega-3 fatty acids interfere with functions of omega-6, which cancer cells may use as a source of energy, and prevent them from spreading beyond the prostate gland. Since most Americans eat a diet which has a much higher proportion of omega-6 fatty acids to omega 3 fats, it is possible that eating more fish, taking fish oil capsules, and reducing intake of omega-6 fats may well help to reduce the spread of prostate cancer cells.

Reduce the risk of sudden death with omega-3s
An editorial in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acids, which come from fatty fish or flaxseed oil, and decreasing omega-6 fatty acids, found in plant seed oils such as corn, safflower, and sunflower, is a way to reduce the risk of sudden death from irregular heart rhythms or heart attacks.
   One cause of sudden death is ventricular fibrillation, in which the heart contracts in a fast and chaotic rhythm that makes it unable to pump blood to the rest of the body. A number of factors including cigarette use, fasting, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or heart attack can trigger the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue.
   Fats that we eat are stored in adipose (fat) tissue. When these fats are released from their storage sites, they become free fatty acids. But not all fatty acids are equal in their propensity to cause arrhythmias. High levels of omega-6 fatty acids may encourage arrhythmias if their levels aren’t balanced by omega-3 fatty acids.
      
Fish Oil Interactions with Medicines
Taking fish oil capsules can thin the blood even more when taken along with warfarin (Coumadin)... see study below.

Fish and Fish Oils Could Help Your Eyesight
The rods and cones of the retina in the eyes are very rich in DHA, one of the fatty acids found in fish oils. Hence, a deficiency in dietary fish oils will reduce the photoreceptor activity of retinal cells, and thus reduce visual acuity. On the other hand, supplementation with fish oils (or flaxseed oil) could lead to visual improvement with enhanced color perception.
   Since levels of DHA in the brain decline with age, it is likely that the levels of DHA also decline in the retina. Is it possible that daily intake of fish oils can improve vision in older individuals? Hopefully future research can give us some answers. Do the types of fats and oils we consume have an influence on how well we see as we age? An epidemiological research study completed recently in Australia and published in Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that the incidence of age related macular degeneration (ARMD) is reduced in those who consume fish.
   ARMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 50 and this eye disease is currently incurable. In this condition, central vision is lost, but peripheral vision almost always remains intact. Today an estimated 12 million Americans have some form of the disease.
    The retina lies in the back of the eye and is composed of cells called rods and cones. The retina gathers light and visual information from the outside world. This information is then transmitted through a special nerve bundle, called the optic tract, to an area in the back of the brain called the visual cortex. The visual cortex, in turn, interprets this information.
    The macula is the special central area in the retina used for fine focus such as reading, driving, watching television, and recognizing people. There is a gradual loss of visual acuity as the macula degenerates with age, eventually leading to blindness.
    The study, done by researchers at the Australian National University, evaluated 3654 individuals aged 49 and over. The participants completed a detailed food questionnaire and had photographs taken of their macula. A higher frequency of fish consumption was associated with a decreased incidence of ARMD. It was also found that those with very high levels of cholesterol intake were more likely to have ARMD.
    Why would eating fish be beneficial to the macula? The answer is not fully understood. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Mind Boosters: A Guide to Natural Supplements That Enhance Your Mind, Memory, and Mood (St. Martin's Press, 2000, $13.95), says, "We do know that the retina is chock full of omeg-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in fish oils. These omega-3 fatty acids are known as EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid). Those who eat little fish or whose dietary intake is deficient in omega-3 oils may, over time, develop a shortage of these fatty acids in their macula." He adds, "I often recommend fish oil supplements to individuals whose fish intake is very low. Clinically, I have noticed that fish oil supplements improve focus, color perception and clarity of vision." Dr. Sahelian also recommends his patients consume adequate amount of fruits and vegetables that contain carotenoids and flavonoids, nutrients with antioxidant properties.

Fish oil supplier - Nordic Naturals
A branded fish oil supplement has been shown to reduce anxiety measures in men with a history of substance abuse. Deficiencies in omega-3 are associated with a variety of psychiatric conditions, including depression, aggression, attention deficit, and others. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial published in the December 2006 issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (vol 26(6), pages 661-665) is one of the first to demonstrate benefits from fish oil in adults with anxiety. Thirteen men were given 5 capsules per day of Nordic Naturals ProEPA / EPA for 3 months. Eleven men received placebo capsules. A subgroup of men who had taken either fish oil or placebo was followed for an additional 3 months.  Each purified lemon-flavored fish oil capsule provided 450 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), 100 mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and 50 mg of other omega-3 fatty acids. A modified version of the Profiles of Mood States (POMS) was used to measure changes in anxiety. The POMS was administered at baseline and monthly to all subjects. A progressive and significant decline in anxiety scores was observed among the subjects who were supplemented with the Nordic Naturals ProEPA / EPA. No changes were seen among the placebo group patients. Furthermore, anxiety scores remained low in the sub-group who had taken the fish oil when followed for the additional 3 months. Dr. Laure Buydens-Branchey, psychiatrist, at the DVA New York Harbor Healthcare System in Brooklyn, NY, completed this study. These preliminary data indicate that long chain omega-3 supplementation may have additional benefits for mental health. Nordic Naturals is a leader in omega-3 fish oils and EFA blends with over 50 different fish oil products known for their exceptional taste, freshness, and purity. The company offers over 50 different fish oil products and EFA blends, including liquids, capsules, and children's chewables.

Fish oil use during pregnancy
Toddlers whose mothers take fish oil supplements during pregnancy tended to have better hand-eye coordination than children whose mothers don't take the fish oil supplements. Omega-3s in fish oil are taken up avidly by the developing eyes and brain of a fetus, and are thought to be important contributors to healthy development in early childhood. Researchers at the University of Western Australia's School of Pediatrics and Child Health, gave 98 pregnant women either 4 grams of fish oil supplements or 4 grams of olive oil supplements each day starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy until their babies were born. When the children were two-and-a half years old, their growth and development was tested. The tests included tests for language, behavior, practical reasoning and hand-eye coordination. Among the 72 children tested, the researchers found no significant differences in language skills and growth between children whose mothers had taken the fish oil supplements and those whose mothers hadn't, the researchers found. However, children whose mothers had taken fish oil supplements scored significantly higher in hand-eye coordination, compared with children whose mothers had not taken the supplements. David L. Katz, M.D., M.P.H., director, Prevention Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.; Dec. 21, 2006, Archives of Disease in Childhood, online.

Fish oil questions
Q. If you are allergic to seafood, can you still take supplements containing omega's 3, fish oil?
   A. In almost all cases, yes. Since the seafood allergy is most likely to iodine or protein components but not the oil, we have not heard of allergy to fish oil itself.

Q.  I'm thinking of getting some fish oil supplements, and would like to ask which is more effective for cognitive functions -- the capsule or the liquid forms?
   A. Either the liquid or the capsules would be fine as long as the dosage is the same.

Q. Which is healthier, fish oil supplements or Borage oil ?
   A. It depends what condition is being treated. But in most people, fish oil supplements provide fatty acids that are deficient in the diet.

Q. In a web article it suggest that bi-polar people have an increase in Omega 6 fatty acid and a need for Omega 3. Is there a fish oil that would have only Omega 3? Most fish oils seems to have both the Omega 6 and Omega 3.
   A. Fish oils only have omega-3, not omeg 6. They should only have EPA and DHA.

back to index yohimbe bark Fish oils have the fatty acids dha and epa