Dr. Kelly here. Stinky Fish Oil. Do you need Fish Oil?? Yes.
Omega 3 fatty acids are important and unique.
Your body cannot make it.
In 2008 Michael Pollan from UC Berkeley stated that “Few people are aware that omega-3 fatty acids which include ALA, EPA & DHA are easily the most efficient nutrient in the modern western diet. Insufficient intake of these vital and essential dietary components is linked with virtually every modern disease process… The balance of 6s to 3s are critically important because it changes, it controls the sensitivity of all the receptors of all of our cells as well as our pro-inflammatory or lack thereof, our inflammatory profile.”
The two primary essential fatty acids are Omega 6 & 3.
They help with the development and function of the brain and nervous system.
They help support cardiovascular and mental health.
The Omega 3 Essential Fatty acids are ALA, EPA & DHA
ALA is found in plant sources. EPA & DHA is found most concentrated in fish.
EPA is for inflammation
DHA is for brain
When you look at a bottle of fish oil, look to see how much EPA and DHA is there.
Depending on what your needs are you want a certain ratio.
If you are looking for brain protection, dementia, concussion, etc, – you want more DHA.
If you are looking for anti-inflammatory, you want a fish oil that focuses on EPA.
In general, you need to look for a fish oil that does not have mercury.
Our oceans are filled with toxins.
Making sure you are not exposed to heavy metals is important when choosing fish oil.
This is why some companies use their source from smaller fish like sardines, mackerel, and anchovies. They are naturally lower in heavy metals.
It is a bit tougher to find that information out. You need to research and see if the company gets an independent test to show that no heavy metals are present.
Precaution: Do not take fish oil if you are on a blood thinner. Fish oil can thin the blood. If you are going in for surgery, let your doctor know. They will have you stop the fish oil before having surgery.
We typically get Omega 6 from our diet easily.
Omega 6 is found in avocados, olive oil, eggs, and nuts.
Omega 3 is the most difficult one to get. It is mainly in deep sea fish. There is some in eggs, flaxseed, and chia seeds, but it is minimal.
Most people have an imbalance between the Omega 6:3 ratio. Recommended is 4:1. Ideal is 2:1.
Take a quick finger prick to see what your omega ratio is!
EPA & DHA can come in an ethyl ester (EE) or a triglyceride (TG) form.
Ethyl ester is a cheaper and less absorbable form. So look for the triglyceride form of EPA and DHA.
This could be on the bottle or as a company standard.
For example, Designs for Health’s entire line of fish oil products use triglyceride form.
The triglyceride form has a far superior absorption and bioavailability by the body. Some studies some 70% more absorption!!
OrthoMolecular says it right on the front of the label.
Also look at potency. The DFH OmegaAvail Hi-Po provides 800mg of EPA and 800 of DHA.
Text us or comment on this post if you would like an Omega test kit or to have the correct fish oil that is right for you added to your FullScript account.
Yours in Healthy Naturally,
Dr. Kelly