Scientists have been trying to determine the proper dosage of fish oil to prevent re-clogging of the arteries after bypass surgery and other procedures. In some studies, the supplements were beneficial. In others, no benefit was seen.
Some doctors recommend a supplement, because they think it can’t hurt. Recent studies and even a lawsuit in the state of California bring up the safety of the supplements.
If they contain contaminants, it is possible that the supplements could ‘hurt’ by causing health problems, rather than benefits. There are questions concerning what level of contamination is necessary to cause the detrimental effects.
Manufacturers are not required to warn their customers about mercury and PCBs. Supplements are unlikely to contain mercury, according to scientists, because the heavy metal binds to protein, not fat. They are far more likely to contain PCBs.
PCBs are hazardous chemicals that were banned in the US during the late 1970s. But, other countries continued to use them.
Even if all countries had stopped at the same time the US did, PCB contamination could still be a problem, because they are not biodegradable. The chemicals remain in the environment for an unknown period of time.
The PCB content should be considered when determining the proper dosage of fish oil. However, since manufacturers are not required to test for them or warn customers that they might be present, it’s hard to be sure exactly what you are taking.
It may be possible to find a company that you trust, one that has been in business for a long time or comes highly recommended by friends or family members. If the manufacturer provides written guarantees and copies of laboratory analyses, you can be confident that your purchase is a good one.
Once you are sure that you are dealing with a good company, you can follow their directions concerning the proper dosage of fish oil. Most manufacturers recommend 2000mg per day, although 3000-5000mg has been used in some studies.
The prescription formulation is used for high blood triglycerides and is taken at high dosages. Some doctors are much opposed to the idea of a prescription brand, primarily because supplements are far less expensive. An alternative is of course yoga! On the Road to Healing – Yoga Travel Alternative Therapies
They feel that the cost of the prescription formulation, even though covered by insurance, drives up the price of healthcare for everyone. They also feel that you can get the proper dosage of fish oil for any condition by taking a supplement.
The better brands provide 500mg of total omega-3s and 280mg of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) per 1000mg capsule. DHA is known to be essential for normal brain function and development. In studies, DHA supplementation has been beneficial for depression and ADHD.
Increased omega-3 intake has proven benefits for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, as well as the known benefits for cardiovascular health. Like some doctors say, as long as you are confident in the supplement’s purity, there is no reason not to take one. Consult the manufacturer or your doctor concerning the proper dosage of fish oil for you.
