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Fish Oils – Essential to every cell

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Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for cellular health and function. As well as attenuating acute inflammation,6 they are required for foetal neurodevelopment,7 can prevent cognitive and mood disorders8 and minimise cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality in adults.9 Despite this, 80% of adults do not meet the recommended daily intake (RDI) of 500 mg of omega-3. Interestingly, even this modest RDI is difficult to achieve without supplementation; only 10% of adults successfully meet it through diet.10 Fish oils are a valuable therapeutic source of omega-3 for patients. Natural healthcare Practitioners can significantly reduce patients’ risk of morbidity and mortality by simply assessing and treating omega-3 deficiency.

 

The ‘Good Oil’ About Fish Oil

Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory benefits are well-established, with research supporting the use of fish oil in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.13, 14 Emerging research has also uncovered novel benefits of fish oil, such as effects on gut microbiota composition.15 Higher total serum omega-3, and DHA levels, are correlated with greater microbial diversity, as well as increased levels of the short chain fatty acid-producing Lachnospiraceae family, independent of fibre intake.16

Mounting evidence indicates that fish oil reduces health risk at all ages and stages of life. Supporting the very young, fish oil is associated with a lower risk of preterm birth. A recent Cochrane review of 70 randomised trials found that supplementing EPA and DHA in pregnancy lowers the risk of preterm birth before 34 weeks’ gestation by 42%, and before 37 weeks’ gestation by 11%. EPA and DHA also lower the risk of small for gestational age babies.17 In older adults, fish oil improves mild cognitive impairment, and also reduces beta-amyloid secretion, a key pathological process associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, EPA and DHA reduce cytokine secretion in neural cells, providing a neuro-protective effect that enhances brain cell survival.19 A meta-analysis of 15 trials also found that DHA improved episodic memory in adults with mild memory impairment.20 Recent research continues to highlight the many clinical benefits of fish oil and correcting omega-3 deficiency.

A Fish Bone Of Contention

Recent media coverage has created confusion by calling into question the usefulness of fish oil in reducing cardiovascular risk. Most reports have been based on a 2018 Cochrane review21 which concluded that fish oil supplementation does not reduce mortality, nor the incidence of cardiovascular events. However, on analysis, a number of confounding factors limit the accuracy of this conclusion. Firstly, fish oil doses (in individual studies) were not personalised according to baseline omega-3 intake or status i.e. the same dose was administered to all patients, even if insufficient to raise levels to the minimum required to produce therapeutic effects in the individual.22 Secondly, the review included studies with inadequate doses to produce the therapeutic outcomes being measured. For example, 3 g/day of fish oil is required for anti-hypertensive effects; including lower doses in the review may lead to inaccurate conclusions about the effectiveness of fish oil in hypertension. Lastly, the quality of fish oil was not considered; oxidised fish oils do not have the same lipid-lowering benefits as high quality fish oils, for example,23 and can even be detrimental to health by increasing free radical damage.

The findings of this review do not, therefore, negate the extensive evidence that supports the effectiveness of fish oil for cardiovascular risk reduction. Fish oil decreases well-established cardiovascular risk factors, such as high triglycerides,24, 25 total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol,26, 27 and coronary atherosclerosis.28, 29 Moreover, clinical trials have shown benefits in those with elevated cardiovascular risk, reducing major coronary events in patients with high cholesterol,30 and decreasing cardiovascular mortality in survivors of myocardial infarction.31

Maximum Quality For Maximum Benefit

Using High Purity,  Concentrated Fish Oil allows access to high quality, non-oxidised fish oil at concentrated doses, ensuring you receive therapeutic doses to achieve clinical results. Fish oils used at True Medicine are pure and fresh, undergoing nitrogen flushing which minimises oxidation. With an emphasis on sustainability, fish oil is sourced from small, nordic fish with short lifespans that do not allow significant toxin accumulation. Additionally, the raw materials undergo molecular distillation to purify heavy metals and contaminants, which also helps mitigate oxidation. With the benefit of Omega-3 Index testing, we can personalise fish oil dosages for your needs and conditions, achieving optimal outcomes.

A Vital Nutrient For Health And Vitality

Omega-3 is essential for reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular health, mood, neurological health, pregnancy and cognition; patients who do not meet the RDI are at risk of significant future morbidity. At True Medicine we offer Omega-3 testing, enabling us to both assess and address any deficiency and supporting you in times of increased need. High quality, non-oxidised fish oils deliver therapeutic doses of omega-3 for best results. Fish oils should always be stored refrigerated so beware of inferior over-the-counter products that may be oxidised.

 

Information courtesy of Metagenics

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  2. Keet C. Getting to the root of the food allergy “epidemic”. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2018 Mar 1;6(2):449-50. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.01.009.
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