Scientists noticed a curiously low incidence of heart disease among Greenland Eskimos, despite their high-fat diet. The reason? They were eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Later studies confirmed their cardioprotective effect of fish oils while uncovering other benefits as well.

What they are

The fat in fish includes a form of polyunsaturated fatty acids called omega-3s. These differ from the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in vegetable oils (called omega-6s) and they have different effects on the body. (fish don't manufacture such fats but get them from the plankton they eat - the colder the water, the more omega-3s the plankton contains.)

The two most potentforms of omega-3s, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), are found in abundance in cold-water fish such as salmon, trout, mackeral and tuna (including, to a limited extent, the canned variety). The sources of a third type of omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), are certain vegetable oils (such as flaxseed oil) and leafy, fleshy greens (such as purslane). However, ALA doesn't affect the body in the same way as EPA and DHA.

What they do

Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in a range of vital body processes, from regulating blood pressure and blood clotting to reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. They may be useful for preventing or treating many conditions.

Prevention

Fish oils appear to reduce the risk of heart disease in several ways. Most importantly, the presence of omega-3s makes platelets in the blood less likely to clump together and form the clots that lead to heart attacks. Next, omega-3s can reduce triglycerides (blood fats related to cholesterol) and may lower blood pressure.

In addition, recent research has shown that omega-3s strengthen the heart's electrical system, preventing heart-rhythm abnormalities. However, the strongest evidence for the cardiovascular benefits of fish oils comes from studies in which the participants ate fish rather than taking fish oil supplements.

Within the artery walls, omega-3s inhibit inflammation, which is a factor in plaque build-up. As a result, therapeutic doses of fish oils are one of the few successful ways to prevent the reblockage of arteries that commonly occrs after angioplasty, in which a small balloon is guided through an artery to a blockage and them inflated to compress plaque, widen the vessel and improve blood flow to the heart. This effect on blood vessels makes fish oils helpful for Raynaud's disease as well.

Additional benefits

Oemga-3s are also effective general anti-inflammatories, useful for joint problems, lupus and psoriasis. Studies indicate that people with rheumatoid arthritis experience less joint swellings and stiffness when they take fish oil supplements, and may even be able to manage on lower doses of anti-inflammatory drugs.

In a year-long study of people suffering from Crohn's disease (a painful type of inflammatory bowel disease), 69% of those taking enteric-coated fish oil supplements (about 3 g of fish oils a day) satyed symptom-free, compared with just 28% of those receiving a placebo. Fish oil may also help to ease menstrual cramps.

In addition, omega-3s may play a role in mental health. Some experts believe there's a correlation between the increasing incidence of depression in many western countries an the declining consumpton of fish. And a preliminary US study suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the severity of schizophrenia by about 25%.

Omega-3 fatty acids have also been used to alleviate symptoms of asthma and eczema.

Common uses

• Help to prevent cardiovascular disease; useful for other circulatory conditions as well.
• Block disease-related inflammatory responses in the body.
• May lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol.

Forms

• Capsule.
• Softgel.

How to take them

Dosage

For heart disease, Raynaud's disease, lupus and psoriasis: take 3000 mg of fish oils a day.  

For rheumatoid arthritis: Take 6000 mg a day. For inflammatory bowel disease: Take 5000 mg a day.

Guidelines for use

Fish oil supplements are recommended for heart disease prevention even if you eat fish a few times per week.

Natural medicine supplementation is also recommended for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Try to take capsules with meals. Supplements may be easier to tolerate if you take them in divided doses; for example, 1000 mg three times a day instead of 3000 mg in one sitting.

Possible side effects

Fish oil capsules may cause belching, flatulence, bloating, nausea and diarrhoea. Very high doses may result in a slightly fishy body odour. But this can be avoided by using a better quality product such as those listed in the right column of this page.

Fish oil improves the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without any of the side effects of drugs like Ritalin and Concerta - and more effectively, a study by the University of Adelaide in Australia found.

Women who take fish oil during pregnancy may give birth to children with improved hand-eye coordination, language skills and behaviour, an Australian study has suggested.

The positive effects of omega-3’s for cognitive development and learning difficulties has been well documented, and this research adds to the expanding list of benefits fish oil has for practically everyone.

This an important article for all those who take statin drugs. Results of the Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study (JELIS), first presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, have now been published.

Statin drugs are sold under a variety of names including Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin) and Pravachol (pravastatin). If you take one of these drugs, you should also use a fish oil to reduce your chance of a 'major coronary event'.

High levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood may slow cellular ageing in people with coronary heart disease, a recent study has suggested.

Researchers from the University of California have discovered that high omega-3 blood levels can actually aid DNA function to improve the ageing and lifespan of healthy cells. This exciting new research shows that adequate omega-3 intake can help prevent cellular death, and, as a result, promote a longer life.

Grandma was 100% right. Fish really is "brain food". Due to its rich omega-3 content, and high quality protein, selenium and vitamin B12 content and potent levels of iron, zinc and iodine, fish really is a 'cut' above other meats.

We should all try to boost the amount of fish we eat every week, and supplement daily with fish oil. We've seen the ads, and heard the research - now find out why we should follow this advice.

The TGA has approved the first prescription-only fish oil capsules for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI).

'Omacor' is the new fish oil on the block.

This fish oil supplement is now being prescribed by Doctors. 1 capsule per day, and you are getting the best fish oil available right? Wrong.

Fish oil is once again proving that it is highly effective in treating and preventing a wide range of conditions - from improving skin, hair and nail health even to preventing prostate cancer.

Recent research has proven that a higher dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish may protect men from prostate cancer - even if they have a strong genetic predisposition to the disease. This is an amazing result that simply shows why we should all be taking a fish oil supplement daily.

The Prince Alfred Hospital in Melbourne has just completed a trial showing that important vitamins, minerals and nutrients, including Bioceuticals EPA/DHA is effective for the management of heart disease.

Supplementation with magnesium, omega-3, CoQ10 and antioxidants provided study participants with a 50% reduction in heart arrthymias and heart failure. This new research shows that appropriate nutritional medicine could represent a saving to the hospital of up to $4800 per patient.

Not bad for 'snake oil'.

If you're a regular to Emed, you would've heard us talking about the amazing benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

The reason?

An increasing amount of evidence indicates that these healthy fats can prevent a wide range of medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, asthma, arthritis, inflammation and even depression.

With all the attention being on a ‘low-fat' diet, some may wonder why ingesting plenty of ‘fatty acids' can be a good thing. So why are omega-3 fatty acids so good for you? And is fish oil the only source?

One of the most common questions we get asked is "Why should I spend more on fish oil from you, when I can get a cheaper version from the chemist?" The answer is not as simple as just cost.

When you walk into any chemist, pharmacy or even supermarket, you will see the shelves littered with many different brands of fish oils, often carrying ‘budget' and ‘value' stickers that make them seem like value for money. Really, 300 capsules for $9.95 is a bargain, right?

WRONG! These budget brands could actually be doing you more harm than good. And here's why.