Is Fish Oil a Vitamin?

Many people think that fish oil is a vitamin when in fact is is an essential nutrient that contains DHA and EPA.  This website contains great information on Fish Oil a type of nutrient (or supplement)  that has been found to have many health benefits.  Fish Oil  is also known as omega-3 fish oil, essential fatty acids, purified fish oil, krill oil and many brand names such as, Solgar Omega-3 EPA & DHA. If you are looking for quality supplements you will usually find them in the form of capsules, pills or even in liquid.  You want to be sure if you are buying a fish oil supplement that one or more of the following is on the label: Omega-3, Fish Oil, Krill Oil, DHA, Pure Fish Oil.   There are many good places to buy supplements both locally and on this web page.

History of Fish Oil Supplements

Back in the 1970’s Researchers in Denmark found that the Inuit people in Greenland, showed a much lower rate of cardiovascular problems than rest of the population of Denmark due to their high consumption of fish, or the “good fats in fish”.    The good fats in fish are considered essential fatty acids and are now usually consumed in fish oil supplements.  After the original research in Denmark, many studies have been set up all over the world and continue to confirm the overall health benefits of fish oil.

The studies confirm that fish oil vitamins can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms from such ailments as:

1. Cancer
2. Diabetes
3. ADHD
4. Joint Problems
5. Stroke
6. Heart Disease

It has also been found that a high intake of fish or fish oil can help in the prevention of age related memory loss found in Alzheimer’s Disease and is good for pregnant mothers.  There  have been studies that show  that a large number of people have enjoyed an improvement in the quality of their lives, through taking Fish Oil Vitamins.

Fish Oil and Pregnancy

T he American Pregancy Association, has found that the DHA in Omega-3 fatty acids is essential to ensure optimal fetal brain, eye, immune and nervous system development.  Omega-3s have been found to be essential for both neurological and early visual development of the baby. The American Academy of Pediatric’s recommends that children eat two to three servings of fish a week.  The fish should be rich in Omega-3 fish oil and be free of mercury.  Studies havehas found that children who eat the oily types of fish on a regular basis, have a lower risk of developing Asthma..  Vitamin Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids) have also been shown by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help withh other problems such as ADHD, some mild froms of Autism, and even cognitive learning.

Heart Health

The American Heart Association has stated, “Fish is a good source of protein and, unlike fatty meat products, it’s not high in saturated fat. Fish is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of — or who have — cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acids also decrease triglyceride levels, slow growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, and lower blood pressure (slightly).  The heart association goes on to say that increasing omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful but you likely cannot get enough through diet alone.   You may to discuss with your doctor adding supplements containing the recommended amounts of fish oil.

Fish Oil and Cancer ScienceDaily (Sep. 28, 2004) — LOS ANGELES (Sept. 21, 2004) – Researchers have found that fish oils appear to reduce breast cancer risk.   The researchers found that among postmenopausal women, those who ate the most 3 fatty acids (from fish such as salmon and mackerel) were 34 percent less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women who ate the least  fatty acids.    In the study it appears that women with certain DNA patterns experienced more breast cancer protection from marine fatty acids than women with common patterns.  The study also found that supplements and containing fish oil were beneficial.

The U.K. Telegraph also reported on March 5th, 2009, in an article titled: Fish Oil May Protect Men Against Prostate Cancer, that Men who ate “dark” oily fish, rich in omega-3, one to three times per month had a 36 per cent lower risk of prostate cancer than those who never ate dark fish.  Eating oily fish more than once a week had an even bigger protective effect, leading to a 57 per cent reduction in risk.  Eating fish or taking  supplements have  both been found to be effective.

Fish Oil Side Effects

Many people have become concerned about eating fish caught caught in polluted water.  The US National Institute of Health classifies low intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish as “Generally Regarded as Safe,” however they do highlight certain fish oil side effects from toxins in the fish that may trouble some people.  Most of the fish oil side effects that can be alarming would be due to mercury contamination in the omega 3.

Mercury contamination is not only in fish oil supplements but also present in fish we eat due to contamination of sea water due to industrial pollution.  With all the toxins in wild fish it is extremely essential to limit the times one eat fish per week so that mercury contamination do not have adverse effects in our system.  This is especially important in children and the ederly, which is why vitamins containing Fish Oil have become popular and necessary.

The omega-3 in the fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding when taken in large doses. The bleeding can take the form of strokes, nosebleeds and blood in the urine. As the fish oils seem to decrease platelet aggregation, bleeding times may be longer.   ANYONE taking blood thinning (anticoagulant) medication like aspirin, Warfarin/Coumadin, or heparin should consult a physician before taking fish oil supplements.

According to Emedtv, some other side effects of taking fish oil can include:

* Diarrhea

* Bad breath

* Heartburn

* MildNausea

* Bad Fish Aftertaste

Many people cannot eat enough good quality fish to get the essential fish oil your body need.  More and more people are turning to Fish Oil  supplements as good alternative.  There are many good products on the market today.

Fish Oil in Canned Tuna is GREAT for Sports Health!

Did you know that many propel fear the word fat? Lot’s of people will do anything to avoid FAT. Usually people will skip foods in their daily meals that are perceived to increase the intake of the evil fat. If you explore your cabinets and refrigerator you will see that lot’s of foods claim they are low fat or even NO fats. In reality fat is essential to proper body function. If you are wise you will learn that the good fats that are found in olive oil, krill oil, fish oil and even high potency fish oil are excellent fats for the body to consume.

Without oil, the good oils, our bodies will lose the lubrication in our joints. This is similar to machines becoming rusty and not being able to move.

Essential oils are really important for people heavily involved in sports that want to be in their best shape all the time. The good oils are a great source of energy and really help with the reproduction of cell membranes and the production of essential hormones in our body. All of these help with our blood pressure, heart rate, joint health, and even with the nervous system.

Some other essential oils for athletes can include: Cod Liver Oil because it has large amounts of Vitamin A in it. You can eat a can of tun and get all the fatty oils that you need for a healthy heart in one dose. This is just one easy way for athletes to maintain their bodies and tuna is easy to buy and eat.