OILY fish such as mackerel, salmon and herring are good
sources of the biologically active omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA) and docasahexaenoic acid (DHA) that have been
proven to benefit health in so many ways.
The American Heart Association recommends two servings
of oily fish a week to lower the risk of cardiovascular
disease but many of us do not follow this. The reasons could
be sensitivity/allergy to fish, the smell and taste and
the increased concern over contaminants in fish.
Whatever the reasons, our bodies require these fatty acids
on a daily basis and fish oil supplements may help to address
these dietary deficiencies.
Clinical studies have shown that the regular intake of
fish oil benefits the heart by lowering cholesterol and
triglyceride levels and in reducing blood pressure. Omega-3
fatty acids in the fatty tissue of the fish are anti-inflammatory
agents with anti-blood clotting actions. Fish oils reduce
the risks and symptoms for other disorders including diabetes,
stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel
disease, ulcerative colitis, some cancers and mental decline.
Double-strength, high-potency and high-purity fish oil
concentrates bring additional benefits. Generally, there
are two main types of fish oils found in the market, namely,
the fish oil concentrates and the non-concentrated fish
oils. Non-concentrated fish oils provide 18 per cent EPA
and 12 per cent DHA for every 1,000mg capsule of fish oil.
It is commonly regarded as the 18:12 fish oil.
When concentrated, one gram of standard concentrated fish
oil can provide more than twice as much EPA and DHA as in
18:12 fish oils. For instance, a double-strength fish oil
concentrate provides 33 per cent EPA and 22 per cent DHA
per 1,000mg.
Smaller fish such as sardines and anchovies are recommended
because they naturally contain oils that are lower in heavy
metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic and environmental
toxins (for example, pesticides, dioxin and PCBs) than larger
predatory fish such as tuna and cod. This is because these
types of fish have a shorter life cycle and are non-predatory,
so there is less possibility of bio-accumulation of impurities
in these fish.
To ensure quality, purity and to further reduce trace impurities
and environmental toxins, molecular distillation and proprietary
purification (super refining) technologies are used to manufacture
pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplements that are safe
to eat.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are produced as omega-3
triglyceride, free fatty acids or ethyl ester. Omega-3 triglyceride
is closest to the natural form of oils. Numerous studies
have shown that the triglyceride structure has a significant
influence on the therapeutic effect of fish oil.
One of the reasons for the poor bioavailability of the
ethyl ester form is due to its greater resistance to digestive
enzymes. The ethyl ester form has been demonstrated to be
10-50 times more resistant to the digestive enzyme than
the natural triglyceride form. Our body can only use nutrients
that get absorbed.
Therefore, eating a fish oil supplement in the form of
triglyceride, offers substantially 70 per cent better absorption
over the ethyl ester form. This enhances the absorption
and maximum effectiveness is obtained.
With double the amount of EPA and DHA content available,
the health and therapeutic benefits of the fatty acids are
magnified. Concentrated oils offer greater palatability
with improved taste and colour, a bonus for those who dislike
the taste of fish. Consumers are now able to take fewer
and smaller capsules dosage, which is an added convenience
to many with severe conditions.
Thus, double strength fish oil concentrates deliver more
significant benefits that other double strength fish oils
using the ethyl ester form in the market.
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