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laszlo-photo, flickr
There's nothing fishy about fish oil supplements. A new study shows that Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may boost brain power—a benefit roughly equal to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger, according to researchers. This finding lands atop established research showing that DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) in fish oil can lower triglycerides, slow the buildup of arterial plaques and lower blood pressure.
But stinky, slimy fish oil ... Gulp. Really? Yes, really. Similar benefits have been touted for ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) found in nuts and vegetable oils, the scientific evidence is less compelling and the benefits may be less pronounced.
Supplements also allow you to dodge concerns about mercury and PCB contamination in fish. Contaminants aren't much of a concern in quality-controlled products, notes a recent report in The New York Times, and the Environmental Defense Fund offers a page where you can review quality tests of dozens of U.S.-manufactured fish oil supplements.
Not a fan of fish? A good supplement gets the medicine down with no stinky smell or slimy taste at all. We recommend Nordic Naturals—a little pricey, admittedly, but impeccably clear of contaminants and free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives as well as gluten, yeast and dairy derivatives. Not only is the taste and smell inoffensive, but even picky eaters and kids who balk at pills and liquids give a thumbs-up to the children's products. (We know a certain little girl who comes running, squeeing with delight, at Omega-3 Fishies time.)
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Thanks for the information. The big problem with Fish Oil supplements is the lack of disclosure.
Most manufacturers, as you can clearly see above, do not want to tell you very much.
- The type of fish used are not disclosed, unless you pay a lot more.
- The geographic area from which the fish come is not disclosed, unless you pay a lot more.
- The manner of oil extraction is not disclosed - because they use hexane - a hydrocarbon solvent.
- What is the level of residual solvent (RAE)? What interactions have occurred? What new compounds were left behind?
No motor oil with my fish oil, please.
1. Fish oil is plentiful.
2. The vast majority of fish oil comes from plentiful sources - which are not the best sources.
3. Fish farming is a plentiful source of fish oil - farmed fish oil sources are far worse than wild fish oil sources. Wild salmon eat fish, and have dark orange flesh, full of concentrated fish oil. Farmed salmon, on the other hand, are fed "commercial pellets", producing a fish whose flesh MUST BE DYED orange for market, because it is such a sickly grey color. Not to mention the massive doses of antibiotics that must be used for so many fish in such close quarters. Yummy.
A new "healthy fish oil" market is emerging, with the most successful vendors bending over backwards to open their kimonos, and make full disclosure. YES, you will pay a premium, and YES, you will be getting a superior product. I prefer it even if it means I have to need my fast cash.