What To Know About Taking A Highly Concentrated Epa Supplements For Your Lipids
Not everyone at risk for cardiovascular disease needs a fish oil supplement highly concentrated in EPA. As discussed above, both EPA and DHA combined have been shown to significantly benefit heart and vascular health. Plus, there are many additional ways to lower LDL naturally while still taking fish oil high in both EPA and DHA. But if youve been taking fish oil and have noticed a negative effect on your LDL, consider trying a high-EPA fish oil for your cholesterol and cardiovascular health.
Anyone who has spent time perusing the seemingly endless brands of fish oil in their local store already knows EPA and DHA amounts vary tremendously between products. Always look for the specific amounts of EPA and DHA listed in the ingredients section of the label.
If you decide to try a fish oil highly concentrated in EPA to improve your lipids without raising LDL, aim for a total daily dose of at least 1800 mg EPA, based on evidence from clinical studies. Many high quality fish oil companies now selling fish oil capsules with enhanced amounts of EPA.
Mozaffarian D, Wu JH. Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: effects on risk factors, molecular pathways, and clinical events. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011 Nov 8 58:2047-67.
Delgado-Lista J, Perez-Martinez P, Lopez-Miranda J, Perez-Jimenez F. Long chain omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Br J Nutr. 2012 Jun 107 Suppl 2:S201-13.
What Causes An Omega
Omega-3 deficiency is usually caused by not consuming enough omega-3s through foods. However, most people in the U.S. get adequate amounts of omega-3s from dietary sources.
Some groups are at higher risk for an omega-3 deficiency, including people who restrict their dietary fat intake and those with eating disorders or other health conditions that cause malabsorption.
Interactions And Adverse Effects
Omega-3 fatty acids exert a dose-related effect on bleeding time however, there are no documented cases of abnormal bleeding as a result of fish oil supplementation, even at high dosages and in combination with other anticoagulant medications.28 High dosages of fish oil may increase LDL cholesterol levels, but the clinical relevance of this finding remains unclear.14,15 Other potential side effects of omega-3 fatty acids include a fishy aftertaste and gastrointestinal disturbances, all of which appear to be dose-dependent.2
Significant amounts of methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, and other environmental contaminants may be concentrated in certain species of fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tile-fish .29 In March 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency issued a new statement29 advising women who may become pregnant, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding mothers, and young children to avoid eating some types of fish and to eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. These recommendations29 are summarized in Table 3 . According to a recent survey,30 farmed salmon have significantly higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and other organochlorine contaminants than wild salmon. There is disagreement among researchers, however, about the amount of farmed salmon that is safe to eat. High-quality fish oil supplements usually do not contain these contaminants.
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How Much Better Are Omega
One study showed that omega-3 in the triglyceride form has 71% greater absorption than EEs . Another study found that free fatty acids were 400% better absorbed than ethyl esters . The ethyl ester omega-3 supplement used in the study was actually Lovaza, which is produced by GSK and is only available on prescription. This unfortunately means that doctors are still currently prescribing the inferior EE omega-3 form of fish oils.
The scientific and medical community has still not fully understood that different types of fish oil produce different effects and results. Omega-3 is one of the most researched substances in medical history, but much of the research so far has only tested the benefits of EE fish oil.
However, more research is starting to be published, looking at the different effects of EE and triglyceride fish oil once they have been absorbed into the body.
For example, one six-month study showed that triglyceride supplements had better bio-availability than EE supplements , and also that triglyceride omega-3 was significantly better at reducing circulating blood triglyceride levels than EE fish oil . Circulating triglyceride levels in the blood are a significant CV risk marker, and one of the criteria used to diagnose metabolic syndrome.
Fish Oil And Cholesterol: The Great Natural Benefits Of Omega 3
Everyone has heard of the magic of fish oil and cholesterol effects, and how you can reduce cholesterol naturally with this amazing natural supplement. However, many people have no idea what effect on cholesterol fish oil has, and what the many fish oil benefits are.
The good news is that this page contains pretty much everything you need to know about fish oil, and much more besides.
Here you can learn about a natural way to lower cholesterol, how to raise HDL cholesterol without taking drugs, what are foods that help lower cholesterol, reasons for following a low cholesterol diet plan, what some of the best cholesterol lowering supplements are, and so much more.
Read on to find out more
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Benefits In Other Conditions
High triglycerides are often related to type II diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Insulin resistance, which contributes to diabetes, is associated with an increase in the livers secretion of triglycerides. Clearance of triglycerides from the circulation tends to be slower in people with insulin resistance.21
In a three-month trial of 64 overweight/obese adults at increased risk for type II diabetes, oral intake of 2,000 mg fish oil daily led to a 16.54% decrease in fasting triglyceride levels.21
Excess fat buildup in the liver, such as in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.22
Recently, scientists reviewed 18 placebo-controlled trials of fish oil in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fish oil significantly lowered triglycerides in an impressive 89% of the trials.23
Our Recommendations For Purchasing Fish Oil And Triglycerides
Educate yourself before investing your hard-earned money in a product. fish oil and triglycerides should be purchased with the following considerations in mind.
Consider these questions before purchasing an fish oil and triglycerides:
- What is the reputation of fish oil and triglycerides compared to its competitors?
- Is it easy to repair or service them when they malfunction?
- In comparison to its competitors, what makes fish oil and triglycerides stand out?
- What makes fish oil and triglycerides different from its competitors? How do those features benefit you?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of fish oil and triglycerides?
- Can fish oil and triglycerides be maintained or repaired?
Before purchasing a product, you should ask the following questions. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
The factors we consider to be important have only been briefly mentioned. You can find detailed answers to many of your questions if you do some research online or visit the store.
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The Benefits Of Fish Oil
Improved heart health The most well-known benefit of taking fish oil is the potential to improve heart health. This is because fish oil is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil can help reduce triglycerides in your blood, which is a type of fat found in your blood once it has been digested. High levels of triglycerides in the blood are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Fish oil can help to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, which can also help reduce the risk of heart disease. Fish oil can also make your blood less sticky, which can help to reduce the risk of blood clots. It can also thin your blood, which can help to prevent blood from clotting in your arteries.
Side Effects Of Omega
What happens when you dont get enough omega-3s in your diet? Unfortunately, this is a problem for many Americans. In the U.S., omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies are linked to the top causes of death, mostly because of an imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 is still an essential fatty acid, but when high amounts of omega-6 are consumed with low amounts of omega-3, inflammation and chronic illness can result.
The average American consumes omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in a 20:1 ratio, because omega-6 is a common part of the Standard American Diet, found in dairy, meats, fast foods, and fried foods, which contain seed and vegetable oils such as canola, soybean, corn, and cottonseed. An omega-3 and omega-6 imbalance can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, obesity, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, macular degeneration, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disease, and asthma.
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Its Unclear Whether Benefits Of Supplementation Outweigh Risks
Asked whether the benefits of omega-3 supplements for healthy people outweighed their potential risks, Dr. Laurence M. Epstein, system director of electrophysiology at Northwell Healths Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in New York, said its unclear.
This remains controversial and is why this study was done, Epstein said. Some have claimed that they can lower the risk of coronary artery disease by affecting lipids such as triglycerides. Others have suggested that they can reduce the risk of life threatening heart rhythm problems.
Epstein emphasized the importance of telling your doctor what supplements youre taking.
It is crucial that patients let their doctors know all the supplements they are taking, he said. This study suggests if you have atrial fibrillation, perhaps you should avoid these supplements.
Recommended Dosage Active Amounts Other Details
Fish oil doses vary depending on the goal of supplementation. For general health, 250mg of combined EPA and DHA is the minimum dose and can be obtained via fish intake. The American Heart Association recommends 1g daily.
Since fish oil is a combination of two different fatty acids, these numbers reflect a combined total. Total eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid consumption should come from a mix of real food and supplements. The more EPA and DHA is provided by the diet, the less supplementation is required.
Fish oil can be taken throughout the day. To minimize the “fish burp” taste, take fish oil with meals.
Pregnant women should increase their intake of DHA by at least 200mg a day, as long as there is no risk of elevated mercury levels.
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The Best Fish Oil Benefits
Everyone who takes fish oil wants some kind of health benefits, and there are many of them. Some have counted up to 20 benefits of fish oil, but many of them are only believed to be benefits .
However, some of the top benefits have been proved, and what are the top fish oil benefits?
Isnt it amazing what a little bit of oil can do?
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Side Effects Of Nonprescription Omega
The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements as closely as prescriptions. So the amount of omega-3s listed on the label may be higher than what you actually get. In addition, supplements may not be pure omega-3s and may contain other ingredients or contaminants.
Nonprescription omega-3 fatty acid supplements may cause mild side effects, such as:
- Fishy burps or taste in the mouth
Side effects of Lovaza and Omtryg may include:
- Burping
- Upset stomach
Joint pain may be a side effect of Vascepa.
Prescription omega-3 fatty acids or high doses of omega-3 supplements may also affect the blood’s ability to clot. People who take blood-thinning medications should be aware of this precaution if they also take omega-3s. Talk to your doctor if you take blood thinning medicines, such as warfarin , or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as aspirin and ibuprofen .
Omega-3 fatty acids lower high triglyceride levels, but brands that contain DHA may raise levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol. This could be a problem if you also have high cholesterol, which often goes hand-in-hand with high triglycerides.
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How Does Omega 3 Help The Body
Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient that is naturally produced in the body. A common misconception is that they can only be found in fish and fish oil. In actual fact, omega 3 can be found in a wide variety of foods. Although our diet can provide you with the necessary amount of omega 3, it can be difficult to consume enough of it from food alone. This is why many people supplement their diet with fish oil in order to benefit from the potential positive effects of omega 3. The common misconception about omega 3 is that it is only beneficial for heart health. There are many other benefits that omega 3 can have on the body. It can help to improve the skin, increase your brain function, and combat inflammation.
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Other Uses Than Controlling Cholesterol Fish Oil Is Good For
The above benefits of fish oil are awesome, but did you know that fish oil can do more than just control your cholesterol, keep your heart healthy, fight off cancer, help you process food efficiently, and balance your mood?
Here are a few uses other than controlling cholesterol fish oil is good for:
Wow, the benefits just keep piling up, and fish oil is turning out to be quite an awesome thing to take.
American Heart Association News Stories
American Heart Association News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in American Heart Association News stories reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in American Heart Association scientific journals or presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the American Heart Associations official guidance, policies or positions.
Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt or reprint from these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to American Heart Association News.
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Fish Oil Triglycerides Vs Ethyl Esters
Omega-3s from fish oil, eicosapantaonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid come to consumers in one of two forms: triglycerides or ethyl esters. One of the most controversial and debated quality issues surrounding fish oil is which form of fish oil is best Triglyceride or Ethyl Ester ?
What form are the long-chain omega 3 fatty acids in when we absorb them from eating fish ? The answer is triglyceride. Over 98% of all fats ingested are in triglyceride form.
Cost vs. Absorption
Ethyl ester forms of omega-3 fatty acid supplements are becoming more prevalent in the market because of the cost: they are cheaper to produce than triglyceride forms. The industry created ethyl ester because they are more malleable form than triglycerides. They have a much higher boiling point, and are easier to work with when processing for supplement distribution.
The main purpose of molecular distillation is to remove the industrial contaminants present ine the commodity fish oils most supplement makers use, and concentrate the omega-3 molecules, EPA and DHA. In this model sterility overshadows efficacy.
Studies have shown that ethyl esters are the least bio-available forms of omega-3s compared to TG forms and/or whole fish. One purification is complete through the micro distillation process why would the manufacturer leave them in an EE form COST.
The process to convert fish oil EEs back to TGs is costly. Bulk oil costs for TG concentrates are typically 30-40% higher than EE concentrates.
Why Triglycerides Matter
Triglycerides consist of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone. They are in food and in our body fat.4,5
After eating, your body converts some calories it doesnt need to triglycerides that are stored in fat cells. Triglycerides are released from fat storage for energy production between meals. Your body also makes triglycerides.
High triglyceride levels are strongly associated with metabolic disturbances that increase heart attack and ischemic stroke risk.6
Elevated levels are also associated with dangerous small-dense LDL particles,7very low-density lipoproteins ,8 and cholesterol-enriched remnant lipoprotein particles.9 These are all known promoters of atherosclerosis.10-12
Life Extension considers optimal fasting triglyceride levels to be below 100 mg/dL. Individuals at high risk for cardiovascular events should strive for even lower levels.
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What Exactly Is Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements contain oils derived from the skin and liver of fatty fish such as mackerel, tuna, sardines, and salmon. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fat that helps protect against heart disease and possibly other health conditions . Omega-3 fatty acids come in three varieties. One is alpha-linolenic acid , found in vegetable oils such as soybean, canola, and walnut. The other two are eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid , only found in fatty fish and fish-derived supplements. Though Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to humans, they cannot be produced by the body and must be consumed through diet or supplementation. Unfortunately, most Americans dont get enough of any of these types of omega-3 fatty acids in their diets. So, many people look to fish oil supplements to gain their daily recommended value of omega-3 fatty acids and gain its heart-healthy benefits.