A fish a day is good for you! Have you eaten enough today?
In my previous articles, I have mentioned a few things about omega 3. I have received a few comments regarding omega 3 and there are some people that wants to know more about omega 3. Here is the summary of benefits of omega 3. I wish this little information will do some good to each of us.
Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA) that cannot be synthesized in the body. It is derived mainly from tissues of oily or cold water fish. However, it also can be sourced from animals. Omega 3 is proved to have a lot of advantage in the treatment and prevention of various conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, coronary heart disease, and many others. This is based on the fact that omega 3 has anti inflammatory and anti aging effects.
2 most important derivatives of Omega 3
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) – support functions of the brain and nervous system
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) – supports coronary health, stimulates anti inflammatory pathways and improves cellular integrity.
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- It can also be synthesized from alpha linolenic acid (
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- It can also be synthesized from alpha linolenic acid (
- Animal brains (hmmm… this is definitely not my idea of getting the source of my DHA)
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Flaxseed
- Soya oil
- Rapeseed oils
- Walnuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Spinach
- Broccoli
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Medical specialty |
Potential reduction in risk of impact/comment |
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Cardiology |
All cause mortality, sudden cardiac death, ischemic stroke, triglyceride reduction (especially DHA), blood pressure (BP) and heart rate reduction |
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Dermatology |
Psoriasis, skin cancers |
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Gastroenterology |
Colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis |
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Immune/Nephrology |
Asthma, hepatitis, Ig A nephropathy |
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Neurology |
Alzheimer’s (especially DHA), dementia |
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O&G/Paediatrics |
Maternal child health (especially DHA), cognitive and visual impact |
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Oncology |
Breast cancer, cachexia, colorectal, endometrial, etc. |
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Ophtalmology |
Macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa |
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Orthopedics |
Osteoporosis/fracture, arthritis |
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Psychiatry |
Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder |
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Rheumatology |
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis |
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Surgery |
Improve post op healing, (caution unwanted blood thinning preoperative) |
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Urology |
Prostate cancer, prostitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) |
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Patients without documented coronary heart disease (CHD) |
Eat a variety (preferably fatty) fish at least twice a week. Include oils and foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid (flaxseed, canola and soybeans oils; flaxseed and walnuts) |
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Patients with documented CHD |
Consume about 1g of EPA+DHA per day, preferably from fatty fish. EPA+DHA in capsule form could be considered in consultation with the physician |
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Patients who need to lower tryglycerides |
2 to 4g of EPA+DHA per day provided as capsule under a physician’s care |
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Patients taking more than 3 g of Omega 3 fatty acid from capsule |
Above 3 g should do so only under a physician’s care. High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people |
Omega 3 is good and has a lot of benefits. But don’t exceed the recommended limits unless you are under physician’s care because omega 3 may cause excessive bleeding in some people.
Reference:
- Medical Tribune (15-31 July 2008). Fish oil – Omega 3 Anti-inflammatory: what, how when? Page 23.
Posted by Dr.Irham under General | Comment now » |
