Fish Oil Fats
By: Chuck Rudolph

 
       Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential for neurological, vascular, immune, reproductive and visual function (1-3).* Some of these fatty acids, known as essential fatty acids (EFA), are extremely important for health and proper physiological function because humans lack the necessary enzymes to produce them. Therefore, they must be supplied by the diet. Deficiencies in EFA or, more precisely, omega-3 fatty acids are associated with numerous medical problems (4,5).* Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid formed from alpha-linolenic acid and is found in cold water fish (which is the richest source currently available).

       The safest Fish Oil is that which has undergone an advanced extraction process that concentrates the DHA lipid fraction to levels higher than those found in EPA. This higher level is similar to the ratio that is found in various human tissues. Recent research has shown that DHA is an essential nutrient for optimum neurological function (6)* and is associated with common childhood behavioral and cognitive concerns. Investigators at Purdue University reported that serum and red blood cell levels of DHA were significantly lower in boys with behavioral problems than those of normal boys, thus demonstrating that individuals with behavioral and cognitive complications may be the result of EFA deficiencies (7).*  Furthermore, a British study on adult dyslexics showed a marked improvement in symptoms when patients supplemented with DHA by showing positive results and improvement in retinal function and reading ability (8).* In research concerning disorders in perception, content of thought and thought processes, information is accumulating that phospholipid metabolism in the brain may be interrupted and that red blood cell concentrations of DHA are significantly lower in individuals with cognitive concerns (9).*

       For years DHA & EPA have been known to help reduce risk factors of cardiovascular health. Research has shown that people who supplement with DHA or eat a diet containing fish, exhibit a moderate decrease in serum triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels (10)*, as well as platelet aggregation, both of which have many implications on cardiovascular health. Supplementing with DHA has shown to significantly decrease platelet stickiness thereby reducing dangerous artery blocking plaque development (11).* By increasing blood levels of DHA, the frequency of cardiac concerns have shown to decline (12).*

       Current medical research has shown that DHA supplementation can reduce the inflammatory effects of the small intestine as well as lesions in the colon (13).* Subsequent studies have demonstrated the same anti-inflammatory ability of DHA in many other health problems such as skin ailments, joint pain and menstrual pain (14-17).* Omega-3 fish oil supplementation has also recently been shown to be extremely beneficial in supporting respiratory health (18-20).*

       In 1995, Greenpeace® analyzed various fish oils for organochlorine pesticides and other contaminants. Many DHA based products do not meet these standards. The best DHA comes from the coastal waters of Norway. Unfortunately, many manufacturers import DHA from Columbia, which is laden with pesticides and heavy metals. Make sure that the oil found in your DHA is ranked the best amongst its suppliers.

References:
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(2)J. Am. Oil Chem Soc. 66: 1120, 1968.
(3)London: Plenum Press. 333, 1989.
(4)Trends in Food Sci Technol.. 7:59, 1996.
(5)Nutrition Reviews. 52: 162, 1996.
(6)Lancet. 345: 1463, 1995.
(7)Am J Clin Nut. 62:761, 1995.
(8)Lancet. 346: 385, 1995.
(9)Schizoph Res. 13: 195, 1994.
(10)J Nutr. 126: 3032, 1996.
(11)Am J Clinical Nutr. 62: 81, 1995.
(12)JAMA. 274: 1363, 1995.
(13)Nutrition Reviews. 54: 248, 1996.
(14)Lancet. 1: 378, 1988.
(15)Br J Derm. 117: 463, 1987.
(16)Ann Intern Med. 106: 497, 1987.
(17)Am J Obstet Gynecol 174: 1335, 1996.
(18)N Eng J Med. 331: 228, 1994.
(19)Med J Australia. 164:137, 1996.
(20)Lancet. 342: 465, 1993.