Fish Oil Supplements

Cod Liver Oil Benefits

Cod liver oil is a specific type of fish oil which is derived from the liver of cod fish. Cod liver oil, although quite unappetizing, is highly nutritious due to its high levels of the omega-3′s, vitamin D and vitamin A. Because of this nutritional prowess, cod liver oil can be a great supplement for just about anyone. There are numerous cod liver oil benefits that almost everyone can reap rewards from.

Not too many people know this, but back before big pharmaceutical companies, many doctors prescribed cod liver oil for several ailments such as rickets and other symptoms of vitamin deficiencies. Cod liver oil actually worked great for many of these ailments and in many cases, the benefits of cod liver oil got to the actual root of the problem instead of just covering it up like many modern medicines today.

I am sure that many people objected to taking cod liver oil, despite its numerous health benefits, based solely on its intense fish taste. This is probably why cod liver oil benefits fell off sometime around the late 1960′s. However, new production and distillation methods have increased the overall purity of the cod liver oil, increasing the benefits of cod liver oil while also decreasing the undesirable taste and smell. In order to make the oil more palatable, many companies have recently been adding various flavorings such as mint or citrus.

Fish oil vs Cod Liver Oil Benefits

So what exactly are the differences between normal fish oil and cod liver oil. Both oils are similar in that they both contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. However, because cod liver oil is extracted from the livers of cod, cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A and D. Many fish oil benefits require a person to take higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and this would not be advisable to achieve from taking cod liver oil. The reason is due to the high levels of vitamin A which can be overdosed if too much is taken.

So Why Should You Use Cod Liver Oil?

There are many reasons why cod liver oil is a great nutritional supplement. The benefits of cod liver oil as a standalone supplement actually outweigh those of regular fish oil in some regards however cod liver oil cannot be dosed as high as regular fish oil, due to its additional vitamins.

Other than that, here are some reported cod liver oil benefits:

• Cod liver oil can reduce inflammation. Similarly to fish oil, cod liver oil can ease pain and joint stiffness associated with inflammatory conditions.
• Cod liver oil is clinically proven to have positive effects on bone, wounded skin, nails, hair and the heart.
• Cod liver oil may be a complementary measure for treatment of multiple sclerosis.
  
• In one study, cod liver oil significantly reduced the mortality rate of female cancer patients.
  

Cod liver oil side effects or reasons not to take cod liver oil?

As mentioned, cod liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D. These are great and necessary vitamins for optimal bodily functions, but since both are fat soluble vitamins, overdose is possible. You must use caution when using cod liver oil, especially in higher dosages due to this reason.

Cod liver oil can also contain elevated levels of various contaminants and toxins such as PCB’s or mercury especially since the oil is derived from the liver, the organ responsible for filtering. It is advised that if you take cod liver oil, you do so from a reputable company known for its purity. Carlson’s makes great fish oil products, along with their cod liver oil products.

As always, it is strongly advised that you consult with your doctor or medical professional before adding making any dietary changes or before taking a new supplement.

EPA DHA

What is EPA DHA?

On many of my other pages, I have mentioned the abbreviations EPA and DHA. EPA is short for eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA short for docosahexaenoic acid. EPA and DHA are two of the three different kinds of omega-3 fatty acid. ALA or α-linolenic acid is the third. EPA and DHA are  polyunsaturated fats and are found abundantly in fish oil and fatty fish.

The interesting fact about EPA DHA, is that these fats cannot be synthesized by the body even though they play a significant role in optimal bodily function. For just this reason alone, it is important to get these fats through diet and/or supplementation.

History

The health benefits of taking EPA and DHA have been popular for years, dating back to the 1930s. Physicians used to long recommend cod liver oil as a health remedy and touted its beneficial properties for children and adults alike. Cod liver oil is a source of not only EPA and DHA, but various other vitamins such as vitamin D and E. However, the benefits of taking EPA and DHA have only recently been popularized by the general public.

The health benefits of EPA DHA were academically studied and researched in the 1970′s when scientists and researchers- while working with the Greenland Inuit Tribe- discovered that despite a very high fat intake, these peoples had very low (virtually none) incidence of cardiovascular disease. Upon further investigation, researchers also discovered that their cardiovascular systems were particularly health with low levels of triglycerides, blood pressure, heart rate and clogging of arteries.

In 2004, the United States FDA gave EPA and DHA a “qualified health claim”, allowing supplement companies selling EPA and DHA to add claims that “supportive but not conclusive” evidence has shown that consumption of DHA and EPA may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Scientists have recently developed ethyl esterized versions of EPA DHA, and have called these versions E-EPA and E-DHA claiming that these versions are highly purified and more effective than ordinary EPA/ DHA supplements. These versions are available only with prescription in the United States but may be bought over the counter in parts of Europe. The drug name for these ethyl esterized versions of EPA/ DHA is called Lovaza.

Difference between EPA and DHA

EPA and DHA often get clumped into the same category because they are both found in fish oil and both omega-3 fatty acids. Most studies studying the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on various conditions have used equal or similar ratios between the two, even furthering the similar views on each.

However EPA and DHA have very different roles when broken down individually. DHA is extremely important to a normal functioning brain, nerves, muscle function and eyes. DHA has been found to be extremely important in developing nervous systems, such as in children.

EPA’s main function however is the inhibition of arachidonic acid. Too much arachidonic acid leads to degenerative diseases such as cancers, diabetes and heart disease. EPA has also been shown to have a beneficial role in the endocrine and immune system.

Fish Oil for Dogs

We all know that fish oil is good for us. Humans don’t get nearly enough omega-3 essential fatty acids (fish oil) in our diet  but what about our pets, particularly our dogs?

Well, come to find out, due to all their great benefits, essential fatty acids such as fish oil are one of the most commonly used nutritional supplements for dogs. In fact, many conventional veterinarians have been using fish oil for dogs as some form of treatment for many maladies and diseases.

You might remember me discussing the difference between omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 are anti-inflammatory in nature while omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. Many diseases are inflammatory in nature, so it only makes sense to use fish oil for its natural, anti-inflammatory properties to fight inflammation cause by disease.

There are two types of omega-3 fatty acid that are commonly used to help dogs and other animals: fish oil and flaxseed oil. While both contain the medicinal anti-inflammatory omega-3′s flaxseed oil is mostly an inactive form which is not very effective in pets. Fish oil on the other hand contains the highly touted EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Recent research studies suggest that fish oil for dogs and other pets is much more effective than flaxseed oil alone. However, if your goal is to improve the skin or shine and quality of your dog’s coat, flaxseed oil may be beneficial in this regard.

Inflammatory diseases in your dog such as heart disease, arthritis, cancer and allergies may be help by supplementing their diet with fish oil. Pets with allergic skin disease seem to get benefit from fish oil supplementation. Using fish oil in for allergic skin disease seems to be an effective alternative and can help reduce the amount of other medications used to treat this disease. There have been a few studies that suggest that fish oil can slow the rate of cancer growth in pets. The general consensus is that, administering fish oil to your cancer stricken pet can be beneficial.

Many veterinarians feel that fish oil can be beneficial to the diet of any pet. While adding fish oil to your pet’s diet may not add 10 years to their life or dramatically increase its well-being over night, at the end of the day, omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that can benefit dogs, pets and humans alike.

When supplementing fish oil for dogs, it is recommended that vitamin E is added back into their diet, as fish oil supplementation for dogs may lower vitamin E levels. It is also cautioned that pet owners do their research on supplements your veterinarian may sell. Because supplements are not regulated, it is important to know the manufacturer and whether or not the product is what it says it is.

A noted veterinarian once recommended to me that he prescribes 2-4 times the labeled dose when treating inflammatory diseases such as cancer, arthritis, heart disease and allergies and adjusting the dose based on the animal’s response. If your goal is to improve your dogs skin or fur coat, then the recommended dose should be fine.

Flaxseed Oil vs Fish Oil

How do the health benefits of flax seed oil measure up to fish oil? Both oils are touted as healthy omega-3 fatty acids. So what is the big difference between the two?

You may remember from my article EPA DHA that omega-3 fatty acids are comprised of three types of fat: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Also remember that almost all the benefits of fish oil are derived from EPA and DHA.

Flaxseed oil vs Fish Oil

Flax seed oil is comprised mostly of ALA. When ALA is digested and broken down by enzymes, it is partially converted to EPA and/or DHA but this conversion is not always an efficient process. It has been suggested that unhealthy and obese individuals do not convert ALA to EPA and DHA very well. The bottom line is that flax seed oil may be beneficial in some regards, but not nearly as beneficial as fish oil which primarily contains the fatty acids EPA and DHA.

A recent study published in a British cardiology journal confirms these sentiments with findings that suggest fish oil improves cellular levels of EPA and DHA better than flax seed oil. In addition, fish oil was much better than flax seed oil at lowering the blood lipids- triglycerides and LDL (bad cholesterol) and raising HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

So what other differences can be found when comparing flax seed oil vs fish oil? ALA is actually an essential fatty acid which cannot be synthesized by the body. So in essence, we need to consume ALA. A proposed advantage of taking flax seed oil over fish oil is so we don’t consume an over abundance of EPA and DHA. Remember, ALA converts to to EPA and DHA, however the conversion rate is estimated to be between 5-25%.

Flax seed oil will not cause “fish burps” or other fish oil side effects. While you may not get all the benefits of EPA and DHA when taking flax seed oil, you may avoid a few of the unpalatable side effects associated with fish oil. Fresh, organic flax seed oil offers a pure and easy- to- eat oil. Flax seed oil can be poured on salad greens or vegetables and is even available in gel capsule form similar to fish oil.

Disadvantages of Flaxseed oil vs Fish Oil

A problem that is not often mentioned is the rancidity of flax seed oil. Over time, flax seed oil will become rancid. One study showed that 40 out of 42 store bought brands of flax seed oil were rancid. This is especially likely if the oil is not refrigerated. Once it is opened, it’s shelf life is greatly shortened, sometimes in less than 2-3 weeks.

ALA, the main fat found in flax seed oil can also be found in other common household oils and fats. Canola, vegetable, hemp seed, and soybean oil all have ALA although not as abundant as flax seed oil. Walnuts are another source of ALA.

Summary

The bottom line is that fish oil wins the health benefits battle when comparing flaxseed oil vs fish oil. While flax seed oil offers an alternative to fish oil, the two should not be confused, as each one offers unique advantages of disadvantages over one another.

Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

Pharmaceutical grade fish oil is relatively new but becoming more and more popular. In fact, I recently saw a commercial advertising for it. Like many, I wondered how prescription fish oil measured up to fish oil purchased over the counter or online. Is pharmaceutical grade fish oil better than the stuff we can buy at the store? Or is this just another attempt of a big company trying to make money on a supplement that has a boat load of health benefits.

I decided to seek out these answers. This is what I found:

Fish oil has come a long way since the early days of fish oil supplementation, in particular- the purification process. As you may have read in my article Fish Oil Side Effects, cheap fish oil can contain harmful toxins such as mercury that are greatly harmful to the body. As the benefits of fish oil continued to be discovered and the popularity of fish oil soared, the purification process began to advance. Fortunately for us, many companies now offer very pure and high quality fish oil supplements.

Recently, pharmaceutical companies have recognized the popularity of fish oil and decided it would be profitable to create a pharmaceutical grade fish oil.

The main difference between pharmaceutical grade fish oil and over the counter fish oil, is that pharmaceutical grade fish oil contains about 80% EPA/DHA compared to approximately 30% found in over the counter supplements. Pharmaceutical companies are able to achieve this highly concentrated blend through a patented purification process that changes the molecular structure of EPA and DHA. More specifically, they turned EPA and DHA into ethyl esters as opposed to triglycerides. This highly concentrated blend of EPA and DHA is extremely pure.

EPA and DHA ethyl esters were studied extensively with a large study group of over 18,000 people. From this study, the FDA approved pharmaceutical grade fish oil for the treatment of high triglycerides.

So what does this mean exactly?

While the purity and ratio of EPA/DHA found in pharmaceutical grade fish oil cannot be argued, there has been no research to suggest that pharmaceutical grade fish oil is superior to regular fish oil. In addition, the price for pharmaceutical grade fish oil can cost an upwards of $200 per month.

Two studies which looked at how the body treats pharmaceutical grade fish oil compared to regular fish oil found that omega-3 (EPA/DHA) ethyl esters found in pharmaceutical grade fish oil may be absorbed less optimally than regular fish oil. While the differences were not statistically significant, the research did not support the fact that the omega-3 ethyl esters found in pharmaceutical grade fish oil were more effective than over the counter fish oil.

Summary

Pharmaceutical grade fish oil offers a safe, highly pure and concentrated form of fish oil. However, compared to a high quality, over-the-counter fish oil, pharmaceutical grade fish oil may not offer any extra benefits. Pharmaceutical grade fish oil will also cost more money than regular fish oil, unless of course your insurance company will pay for it.

Liquid Fish Oil

If you have ever thought about taking a fish oil supplement but the idea of taking pills does not appeal to you, a suitable option may be liquid fish oil. Liquid fish oil is actually an effective way to take this dietary supplement.

So what would make you want to drink liquid fish oil?

There are actually several advantages to taking fish oil in liquid form. In this article, I will outline a few ways why liquid fish oil is superior to gel capsules and give recommendations on how to choose the best liquid fish oil.

Liquid Fish Oil vs. Conventional Fish Oil Gel Capsules

Liquid fish oil is more concentrated than pills. Believe it or not, liquid fish oil can actually provide a higher amount of omega-3 fatty acids than normal gel capsules. The reason is because liquid fish oil is more concentrated than fish oil pills. For this reason, liquid fish oil could actually produce more fish oil benefits than soft gels, considering higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with more benefits.

Liquid fish oil is more convenient. If you are taking 1-2 fish oil pills a day, this may not apply to you. However, if you are taking a higher fish oil dosage, 1 teaspoon of liquid fish oil can equate to several pills. To many, this is much easier and less of a hassle. It also feels much more natural to drink a liquid rather than swallow several pills.

Liquid fish oil is more economical. Since liquid fish oil is more concentrated than soft gels, you get more for your money. Liquid fish oil is usually cost more upfront than fish oil gel capsules, but in the long run, you get a product that is cheaper per dosage than compared to gel capsule form.

How to Find The Best Liquid Fish Oil

Note the flavor of liquid fish oil. Liquid fish oil often comes in different flavors such as lemon or orange. If a supplement is not flavored with a favorable flavor, it may not be very appealing to you. Be weary if you have allergies or sensitivities to artificial flavors or sweeteners.

Only buy liquid fish oil that comes refrigerated. Oils have a tendency to become rancid, so its important that you buy liquid fish oil that is refrigerated or at the very least, stored in a cool area. Be certain to store your liquid fish oil supplement in the refrigerator once it has been opened.

Look for a product that is third-party tested. Fish oil can contain deadly contaminants and toxins. Liquid fish oil is no different. Make sure to look for some type of seal or quality assurance verification. I have outlined the importance of buying third-party tested supplements in my article Best Fish Oil Supplement.

Summary

Liquid fish oil has several advantages over conventional fish oil pills. If the thought of taking excess pills bothers you, liquid fish oil may be a better solution. My recommendation is that you purchase both liquid and conventional fish oil pills. This will diversify your fish oil intake and allow you to experience the benefits of both types of fish oil.

Fish Oil Tablets

Fish oil tablets are becoming one of the most popular supplements and for good reason. The ample amount of fish oil benefits are becoming more and more recognized by the general public as years go on. People are becoming more health conscious and proactive about their health, and adding fish oil tablets to your diet is a great start.

Fish oil tablets are very easy to find and purchase. They can be found at the grocery store, health supplement store, natural food stores, bulk food stores and even the pharmacy. Fish oil tablets come in all shapes and sizes ranging from liquid oil form to gelatin capsules and even chewables! The oil can be derived from multiple fatty fish sources, salmon, cod, krill and seal. Some fish oil tablets even include other beneficial vitamins, such as Vitamin D and E.

With so many different fish oil tablet choices available, it can be quite a daunting task to choose the right supplement for you. Below are factors to consider when choosing fish oil tablets:

• Consider supplements that are tested by third party laboratories. By choosing fish oil tablets that have been tested, and given a seal of approval by a reputable third party, this helps to ensure you are getting a quality product. If a product does not contain any type of seal of approval by a third party, you must be weary that this product could contain contaminants that could cause fish oil side effects.
• Check the manufacturer date or sell by date on the product. This might seem like common sense, but it is extremely important to purchase fish oil tablets that are fresh and not close to their expiration date. Fats or oils have a tendency to become rancid after long periods of time. It is paramount that you choose fish oil tablets that are not rancid, as this could also cause greater fish oil side effects. If you are purchasing online, ask the vendor how fresh the product is. Once you receive your fish oil tablets or liquid oil, make sure to store in the refrigerator or a cool area.
• Inquire about pharmaceutical-grade fish oil tablets. The next time you are at your doctors, ask about the possibility of getting a prescription for pharmaceutical- grade fish oil. Pharmaceutical grade fish oil is of utmost quality, and undergoes a molecular distillation process that eliminates all toxins and even fish odors associated with over the counter fish oil tablets. In addition, if your insurance company foots the bill for your fish oil, even better.
• Examine the ratio of EPA to DHA. The two beneficial omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are EPA and DHA. While both these fatty acids are beneficial, they both provide different health benefits. DHA is extremely important and is sometimes neglected in fish oil tablets as a way to keep cost down. Look for a fish oil supplement that has at least a 1:1 ratio of EPA and DHA. This will ensure that you get all the benefits of both essential fatty acids.

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil

What exactly is krill oil and how does it compare to fish oil? I have to admit, when I first heard about krill oil I was skeptical and figured it was just some other overpriced form of normal fish oil. When I finally examined krill oil vs fish oil, I came away with a better understanding of how the krill oil stacks up versus fish oil.

What are krill and what is krill oil?

As you may have guessed, krill oil is derived from krill. Krill are tiny, shrimp- like crustaceans that live in cold water, primarily the North Pacific and Antarctic Oceans. Krill are approximately 1-5 cm in length and surprisingly, make up the largest animal biomass on the Earth. There is supposedly over 500 million tons of krill swimming around in these cold ocean areas of the world with approximately 110,000 tons of these being harvested each year. The size and relatively short lifespan of krill make them optimal from a purity stand point.

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil

Much like fish oil, krill oil contains both of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), however unlike fish oil, these two fats are bonded together in a different form. EPA and DHA in normal fish oil are found in triglyceride form. On the other hand, in krill oil, EPA and DHA are linked together in a double chain phospholipid form (this is the same form that is found in the human body).

The double chain phospholipid form found in krill oil allows for much more efficient absorption in the body and are utilized by components of the cell much easier. In addition, astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant is found in krill oil. Along with astaxanthin, krill oil contains phosphatidylcholine, canthaxanthin (another potent antioxidant), vitamin E, D and A. When the antioxidant properties of krill oil vs fish oil were tested using ORAC, krill oil was found to be 48x more potent than normal fish oil.

A study that compared krill oil and fish oil exclusively found that krill oil was more effective at reducing bad cholesterol, raising good cholesterol and reducing blood sugar. Many other fish oil benefits are similar to that of krill oil, such as reductions in inflammation and treatment in mental illness.

One interesting difference between krill oil vs fish oil is that krill oil does not produce the fish oil side effect of fish burps. This is due to the very fast absorption rate of krill oil and the high antioxidant levels. It has been said that overall, krill oil has less side effects than fish oil, however if you have a shrimp or shell fish allergy, it is advisable to use krill oil with caution and/ or consult with your physician before taking krill oil.

The Downside to Krill Oil

The one apparent downside of krill oil is the price. A company known as Neptune Technologies holds the patent for the krill oil extraction process. Expect to pay at least 2-3 times more than regular fish oil.

Besides the price factor, krill oil seems to be a “super fish oil” of sorts, with benefits similar or exceeding those of regular fish oil.

Best Fish Oil Supplement

With so many omega-3 supplements available for purchase, how does one go about finding the best fish oil supplement on the market? How do the cheap and less expensive fish oil supplements compare to the more expensive and pharmaceutical grade fish oil?

Finding the best omega-3 supplement is actually is easy once you know what to look for. By examining a few key factors, you can spot a quality product that that fits your budget. Here’s how:

Consider the purity of the product

A negative stigma that plagues fish oil supplements is the fact that many products could be contaminated with toxins such as mercury which can accumulate in fish, particularly larger fish at the top of the food chain. The US and UK governments even warn against eating fish too often, which could lead to excessive mercury intake.

The problem is that these same fish that are contaminated with toxins that are then used to make fish oil supplements. The type of fish used, location from which they are fished, and the decontamination process that manufacturers use or may not use, are all factors to consider when choosing the purist and best fish oil supplement.

The best fish oil supplement is usually the one that has been molecularly distilled. This rigorous process should meet or exceed International standards in order to be considered a good supplement. The supplement should also be certified for quality and purity by a third party.

Another factor to consider is where the fish were caught. Farmed fish from Europe should be avoided. Wild-caught fish tend to be better chooses than farmed fish, which are often times contaminated and have less beneficial fatty acid profiles. In addition, fish oil that is exclusively derived from one type of fish are usually better choices. For example, salmon fish oil or krill fish oil may be better fish oil supplements than just plain fish oil.

Consider the amount of DHA found in the fish oil supplement

Cheaper fish oils tend to have more EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) than DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). While both these omega-3 fatty acids offer many health benefits, the amount of DHA is often neglected in order to keep the price point lower. DHA is very important and offers a host of benefits over EPA or a supplement with a less optimal EPA to DHA ratio. The EPA: DHA ratio should be at least 1: 1, with more DHA than EPA more desirable. Studies have shown that a higher DHA intake has been linked to an increase in the structural integrity and functioning of the brain.

Consider the freshness of the product

Like many other oils, fish oil can go bad. Fat has a tendency to become rancid if it is too old. In order to find the best fish oil supplement, ensure that the fish oil was manufactured within at least 6 months prior to purchasing. Store fish oil capsules in the refrigerator or a cool area to ensure they do not go rancid. If you are purchasing online, ask the vendor to share the sell by date.