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Why Omegas??

Mandy Dickerson

Ever wonder why you even need Omega-3 fatty acids?? What if you don't even have trouble with cholesterol!!


Well in addition to providing support for cardiometabolic disorders, Omegas also provide wonderful support for cognitive function, psychological and inflammatory disorders. In other words, maybe you suffer from IBS, Arthritis or Depression! If so, then this is a great supplement for you.


Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that possess lipid-mediating and anti-inflammatory properties, and are essential for human health. Two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).


EPA and DHA found in supplements are most commonly derived from the livers of lean fish such as cod, and in the tissue of oily fish, including herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna. However, EPA and DHA are actually synthesized by the algae that are consumed by fish, not the fish themselves. A variety of supplements now exist, providing EPA and DHA from fish, algal, and other sources, though fish oils are predominantly used.


General daily recommendations for omega-3s include the consumption of at least 1,000 mg total per day, providing a minimum combined sum of 250 mg of EPA and DHA. Most Americans do not typically meet current general dietary guidelines, even with supplementation. EPA and DHA are believed to provide broad cardiovascular and neurological benefits, though their positive effects for clinical improvement in various conditions remain controversial.


Studies do show improvement in depressive symptoms as well as improved depression scores in patients with mild-moderate depression. Suggested dosing is 1000-1500mg (EPA/DHA with >60% EPA) per day to adults.


Adverse effects:

It has been suggested that fish oil supplements increase the risk of bleeding due to their anti-thrombotic properties. (However, systematic reviews have not found this theory to be substantiated. Another concern is the possible increased exposure to environmental toxins, such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, or other organochlorines, though this may also be unsubstantiated. Higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects may occur when combined with statins, but not placebo, and are typically limited to mild-moderate severity. Fishy tasting eructation is commonly reported with fish oil supplementation.




References:


Bae JH, Kim G. Systematic review and meta-analysis of omega-3-fatty acids in elderly patients with depression. Nutr Res. 2018 Feb;50:1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2017.10.013. Epub 2017 Dec 8. PMID: 29540267.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2017.10.013


Grosso G, Pajak A, Marventano S, Castellano S, Galvano F, Bucolo C, Drago F, Caraci F. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of depressive disorders: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PLoS One. 2014 May 7;9(5):e96905. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096905. PMID: 24805797; PMCID: PMC4013121.


Kraguljac NV, Montori VM, Pavuluri M, Chai HS, Wilson BS, Unal SS. Efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in mood disorders - a systematic review and metaanalysis. Psychopharmacol Bull. 2009;42(3):39-54. PMID: 19752840.


Sublette ME, Ellis SP, Geant AL, Mann JJ. Meta-analysis of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in clinical trials in depression. J Clin Psychiatry. 2011 Dec;72(12):1577-84. doi: 10.4088/JCP.10m06634. Epub 2011 Sep 6. PMID: 21939614; PMCID: PMC3534764.



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