Should I Supplement With Fish Oil?

Fish oils are one of the leading supplements purchased by consumers to the tune of about $700 million dollars each year. So, it’s no wonder you are curious whether or not you should add this to your daily diet. There is also a lot of confusion whether or not people should take fish oil supplements, PCB concerns, and brand versus brand.

First, unless you are eating a diet of fish containing beneficial anti-inflammatory omega3 fats, it is important to supplement with fish oil. Our bodies simply do not manufacture by itself. I recommend that if you eat fish, to choose wild caught and preferably from Alaska. An example would be Alaskan Wild Salmon. Farm raised fish are laced with lice and other contaminants.

Second, some were even debating this issue of supplementing fish oil because California issued Prop 65 which basically states that companies must have warning labels on foods that contain higher than approved levels of PCBs. Keep in mind, there are some fish oil supplements that are not tested thoroughly and those should be avoided. The high quality fish oil supplements have less PCBs than the fish you consume and are very safe. The benefits far outweigh the risk.

Third, although the CRN says that fish oils are safe, it is important to check the manufacture to make sure they are a certified GMP manufacturer, lab test their own products, verify with a certificate of analysis that is guaranteed, and conduct independent testing. Another important consideration for a manufacturer is whether or not they are producing a 90% + Triglyceride or Ethyl Ester form of fish oil. The 90% + Triglyceride form is exactly what is found in nature, compared to the Ethyl Ester. This is the reason it has less oxidation, more bio-available, and more stable when tested.

Finally, understand what’s really going on behind the scenes. On one hand, the FDA does not have resources to inspect every supplement nor should they have the power to disapprove a supplement that would be good for us. The McCain DSSA intends to require more restrictive controls on supplements most likely limiting your access to beneficial supplements and driving up the cost! The FDA should follow its present guidelines in DSHEA and not take on new law. Remember, there has not been one single death from supplements according to the Poison Control Center.

There are a host of other issues with fish oils from taste, to fish burp that can all be addressed with Q&A.

What are your experiences with fish oils?

Sources

Article from Council on Responsible Nutrition

Nutrition Business Journal Prop 65 Decision

No Deaths Nutritional Supplements 2008

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