"Are you Getting Enough Fish Oils?"
|
|
How do you determine the correct fish oil dosage for the most health benefits?
One problem many health-conscious consumers face is trying to find out what is the optimal dosage of fish oil to take.
Many products offer suggested serving sizes on the ingredient labels; however, many of these products provide various degrees of omega 3 concentrations as well as different overall dosage amounts.
For example, some fish oil soft gels can provide 180 to 300 mg. of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120 to 200 mg. of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
A tablespoon of liquid fish oil may provide 500 to 800 mg. eicosahexaenoic acid (EPA) and 300 - 600 mg. of DHA.
With so much variation between products, how do you determine the best dosage of fish oil for your health?
Fish oils come in |
While there may be some overlap in the data, there is overwhelming agreement among researchers on the profound health benefits achieved from the use of omega 3 fatty acids and fish oil supplements.
The following information is based on recommendations from a number of health agencies.
These suggested dosages were derived from published research on omega 3 fatty acids, fish oils and their health effects.
Individuals with documented cardiovascular disease - up to 1 gram of fish oils with EPA and DHA.
Individuals with elevated triglyceride levels - 2 to 4 grams of fish oils per day, under a physician's guidance.
Individuals without documented heart disease are encouraged to eat fatty fish at least twice a week and include healthy oils and foods rich in alpha linolenic acid (flaxseed, walnuts, broccoli, brussel sprouts).
The International Society Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL), a United Kingdom-based think tank, gathers and reviews hundreds of medical studies on fish oils, dietary fatty acids, lipids and how they affect our health.
- based on study released in British Journal of Nutrition 2007.
- at least 200 mg/day of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
- fish oil dosages up to 1 gram/day of DHA or 2 - 7 grams/day of omega 3 fatty acids showed no side effects.
- women of childbearing age should eat 1 - 2 servings of fish per week, including oily fish.
- pregnant mothers should supplement with fish oils rather than flaxseed oil to increase brain-supporting DHA levels in the fetal brain.
- here's more detailed information on that study at the ISSFAL website.
-due to the wide range of individual treatment situations in this age group, the ISSFAL has yet to determine how much fish oil to give to children. More research is needed before reaching definitive conclusions.
-if you have concerns, contact your Physician or Health Care Provider before supplementing your child's diet with fish oils.
- recommend minimum dosage of fish oil is 500 mg/day of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA to reduce your risk for coronary heart disease.
- researchers believe omega 3 fats may enhance an infant's immune system and improve visual acuity, but more research is needed before health authorities recommend how much fish oil is safe and effective.
- most regulatory authorities allow the addition of omega 3 and omega 6 to infant formulas and stipulate that the level of omega 3 doesn't exceed the amount of arachidonic acid. Breast milk contains arachidonic acid which helps in the growth of your baby's nervous system.
Although the ISSFAL hasn't issued recommendations for an appropriate dosage of fish oil for term infants, the World Association of Perinatal Medicine Early Nutrition Academy and Child Health Foundation states:
"...strongly supports the benefits of adding docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) to infant formula..."
Further recommendations for omega 3 fatty acids requirements in infants are as follows:
- DHA should be at least 0.2% of total fatty acid intake and not exceed 0.5% of fatty acids.
- The amount of AA should at least equal DHA levels and EPA should not exceed DHA.
Fifteen international health agencies, including the U.S. National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine and the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Fats and Oil in Human Nutrition provide additional recommendations for omega 3 fatty acid dosages.
Determining the appropriate fish oil dosage may help you achieve the benefits you seek. The above information is regarded as recommendations; seek the advice of your Physician or Health Care Provider before starting any nutritional supplement regimen.
Research proves there are specific benefits from using highly-purified, omega 3 concentrated fish oils that offer precise dosage amounts. The question is how do you choose the right product that will meet your specific health needs?
OmegaRX Fish Oils |
You should choose a product that guarantees optimal dosage amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in a highly-purified state.
Products such as OmegaRX, Minami Omega 3 Concentrates, and Ascenta are a few brands that offer high concentration omega 3 fatty acids in precise dosage amounts.
If you're looking for a fish oil supplement that provides the optimal fish oil dosage, make sure you research the company that produces the product before buying.
| Visit the Fish Oil Forum! NEW! How much fish oil do you take? Click Here and Share Your Experience with Us Read Other Visitors' Feedback Here |