Most people that eat a western diet can benefit from increasing the intake of Omega 3 fatty acid since their diet usually contains too much Omega 6 from vegetable oils and saturated fat from dairy and other animal sources. Research has shown many health benefits from Omega 3 fat intake. Several studies are showing evidence that the protective benefits of fish oil prevents death from heart disease (Daviglus ML, et al. 1997, Burr ML, et al. 1989, Singh RB, et al. 1997).
The anti-inflammatory effects of Omega 3 fatty acids are well known. Several studies on rheumatoid arthritis using supplements with EPA/DHA, which is found in fish oil, have shown to decrease morning stiffness and reduce the number of painful and swollen joints (Bartholomew LE, et al. 1985, Kremer JM. 1996, Kremer JM, et al. 1995, Kremer JM, et al. 1990). Fish oil has also shown to help in the treatment of colitis (Stenson WF, et al. 1992).
Deficiencies of Omega 3 fatty acids have been linked to depression. An inverse relationship between fish consumption and the incidence of depression has been found (Hibbeln JR, et al. 1995). Another study showed that the ratio of arachiodonic acids [a precursor for inflammatory chemicals] to EPA correlates with the severity of the symptoms of depression (Adams PB, et al. 1996).
It is also very important for pregnant women to have an adequate intake of Omega 3 fats because breast fed children have been found to score better than children fed by bottle on visual and developmental tests (Rodgers B. 1978).
When buying fish oil it is important to be sure it is a quality product since fish oil oxidizes [gets rancid] very easily and can contain heavy metals and other toxins. Better Fish Oils is a pharmaceutical grade quality product. To prevent rancidity antioxidants are added and the oil checked for oxidization to ensure product stability.
Extensive testing of the oil is carried out assuring exceptional high quality. The following is an example of some of the contaminants tested for: mercury, lead, arsenic, pesticides, PCBs and dioxins.
Supplement Facts Serving Size: 1 Softgels Serving Per Container: 60 capsules Calories ………………………………………………………………………….. 15 Calories from Fat ……………………………………………………………….. 15 Total Fat ………………………………………………………………………….. 1.5 g Cholesterol ………………………………………………………………………. 5 mg
Marine Lipid Concentrate ……………………………………………………… 1.4 g EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid triglyceride) ……………………………………. 710 mg DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid triglyceride) …………………………………… 290 mg Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids triglyceride …………………………………….. 100 mg
Bartholomew LE, et al. Effects of manipulation of dietary fatty acids on clinical manifestations of rheumatic and inflammatory disease receiving dietary supplementation of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Lancet Jan 1985:184.
