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Omega-3 or "Fish Oil" has become a popular supplement these days. Omega-3 fatty acids are classified as "essential" because they cannot be made in the body; they must be obtained from your diet. The important omega-3 fatty acids in human nutrition are a-linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). You can get DHA and EPA from dietary intake of cold-water oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, anchovies, and sardines or from dietary supplements. ALA is contained in some nuts (English walnuts) and vegetable oils (canola, soybean, flaxseed / linseed, olive). Increasing your daily intake of these fatty acids can have some positive effects.
There have been many trials and studies showing the benefits of recommended Omega-3 intake. Some of these benefits include lowering triglycerides, reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with known heart disease, slowing the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques ("hardening of arteries"), and slightly lowering blood pressure. There are many other claims
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made including helping diabetes, cystic fibrosis, asthma, and mental disorders. While some of these may be partially true, there is still not enough scientific data to back them up.
The American Heart Association recommends that people without heart conditions eat fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week. For people with heart conditions, they recommend consuming at least one gram of EPA and DHA per day. For people who need to lower triglycerides, the recommendation is two to four grams of EPA and DHA provided as capsules under a physicians care. To get one gram of EPA and DHA you need to eat about 1.4 - 4.5 ounces of salmon; 1.5 - 2 ounces of herring; 2-3 ounces of sardines; or 12.5 ounces of cod. For people who can't eat that much fish or simply don't like seafood, Fish oil capsules can be an alternative.
A rising concern for many people is the amount of mercury contained in both the fish and the Fish oil supplements. There are lists put out by the FDA that monitor the amount of mer
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cury in the different species of fish. The recommended types are all on the low end of the mercury-containing list. Fish oil supplements are bound by strict current standards put out by the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS). Fish oils that typically make this highest grade are those that are distilled, and have virtually no measurable level of contaminants. Mercury levels should be something to be aware of, but should not scare people away from the potential benefits of omega-3 intake.
American consumers are becoming more conscious about nutrition and what they eat. Taking anything, whether it be medicines or dietary supplements, is not without some risk. With all the scientific evidence about the benefit of Omega-3, it is necessary to consider adding it to your daily diet. For more information on this topic you can talk with your Physician, Pharmacist, or go to www.americanheart.org and search for Fish and omega-3.
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8120 Parallel Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66109
(913) 334-1660
6238 N. Chatham Road
Kansas City, MO 64151
(816) 746-1475
1015 N.E. Rice Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
(816) 525-1479
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13600 S. Blackbob
Olathe, KS 66062
(913) 782-2039
2724 W 53rd St
Fairway, KS 66205
913-236-4983
6900 W. 135th Street
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 814 WELL (9355)
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Sprint Campus
6450 Sprint Parkway
Overland Park, KS 66251
(913) 315-8646
Merriam Town Center
5800 Antioch Rd.
Merriam, KS 66202
(913) 831-4140
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