Fish oil has been known to most people since childhood as a healthy product with a very unpleasant taste and smell. It is obtained from the liver of cod fish. You can buy it in almost any pharmacy at a more than affordable price. But at its low cost, such an additive can have a tremendous positive effect on the human body, preventing many diseases. In addition, fish oil can be used to speed up the process of losing weight. But for this purpose, it must be taken correctly.
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The benefits of fish oil
Previously, fish oil was produced only in liquid form. Now you can take it in the form of gelatin capsules. Due to the dense shell, which dissolves only when it enters the stomach, the unpleasant taste is not felt at all.
Reception of fish oil can bring considerable benefits not only for health, but also for the figure. Regular use of this drug:
- helps to strengthen the heart muscle, therefore it is the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- improves the growth of nails and hair, makes them beautiful and healthy;
- strengthens the joints, which is important during hard workouts;
- increases the body's resistance to viruses, allowing you to cope with frequent colds;
- stabilizes blood sugar levels;
- is the prevention of cancer, reduces the risk of their development and slows down the growth of tumors (including benign ones);
- promotes weight loss by breaking down dietary fats and starting metabolic processes.
To notice the result, one use of fish oil is not enough, as it only creates favorable conditions for weight loss. It must be combined with diet, proper nutrition and physical activity. Then, after completing the course of taking this remedy, changes in the figure will be noticeable.
Due to the beneficial properties of fish oil, it is advised to take it for both adults and children. The child needs this drug to strengthen bones, improve brain activity and increase immunity. Until the age of 7, it is recommended to drink fish oil in liquid form. Then you can switch to capsules and gradually increase the dosage.
Contraindications
But this miracle cure has contraindications:
- problems with the liver and kidneys;
- hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
- bile and urolithiasis;
- tuberculosis;
- chronic diseases of the digestive system;
- an excess of calcium and vitamin D, which is associated with the intake of vitamin complexes;
- fish allergy.
Taking fish oil can be harmful in overdose. In this case, hypervitaminosis occurs (an excess of vitamins in the body), which negatively affects the human condition. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
The composition of the capsules
Fish oil capsules are easy to find at any pharmacy. It is a golden substance in a gelatinous shell. The main active components of the composition are:
- 1. Fatty acids. The most valuable amino acid Omega-3 occupies the largest share among them. It improves the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Omega-6 is involved in the formation of intercellular bonds, which allows you to speed up the metabolism. Another amino acid Omega-9 normalizes blood sugar levels, helping to reduce appetite.
- 2. Vitamin A. Its sufficient consumption ensures stable immunity and quick recovery after physical exertion.
- 3. Vitamin D. It is essential for strong bones and joints. In addition, scientific studies have shown that a deficiency of this vitamin can be one of the causes of obesity.
Some manufacturers may add other elements by changing the concentration of these substances. Therefore, it is worth carefully checking the composition of the drug.
Admission rules
In order for the supplement to benefit the body and figure, it should be taken correctly. To do this, you need to calculate the daily dose of the drug needed for weight loss.
It will depend on the amount of active substance (omega acids) in one capsule. Usually it is 500 mg, but the values \u200b\u200bmay vary between manufacturers.
The required daily dose of omega acids for weight loss is approximately 3000 mg. Thus, you will need to take 6 capsules per day, dividing them into 3 doses. If the concentration of the active substance is lower, then the dosage must be increased.
Important for weight loss and the method of application of fish oil. It is advisable to take it with food. Then the substance will be easier to digest. In addition, if you drink the capsules on an empty stomach, you can provoke the release of bile. And this will lead to digestive problems.
Do not take the supplement at night, as late dinner is bad for weight loss.
Fish oil should be used in courses. The duration of one should be a month. Then you need to take a break for 1-2 months. No more than 3 such courses should be conducted per year.
And some secrets...
The story of one of our readers, Inga Eremina:
My weight was especially depressing for me, at 41 I weighed like 3 sumo wrestlers combined, namely 92kg. How to lose weight completely? How to deal with hormonal changes and obesity? But nothing disfigures or rejuvenates a person as much as his figure.
But what can you do to lose weight? Laser liposuction surgery? Learned - not less than 5 thousand dollars. Hardware procedures - LPG massage, cavitation, RF lifting, myostimulation? A little more affordable - the course costs from 80 thousand rubles with a consultant nutritionist. You can of course try to run on a treadmill, to the point of insanity.
14-08-2018
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Verified Information
This article is based on scientific data written by experts and verified by experts. Our team of licensed nutritionists and estheticians strives to be objective, open-minded, honest and present both sides of an argument.
Important! Do not give fish oil capsules to children without consulting the attending pediatrician.
How to drink fish oil capsules: how to use
- take fish oil capsules with or after meals to avoid indigestion;
- reception should be divided into 2-3 times a day;
- You can take the supplement continuously for 3-4 weeks, after which you should take a break;
- the ideal reception period is September-May;
- overdose can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and exacerbations of diseases (for example, cholecystitis, pancreatitis);
- Store fish oil only in the refrigerator.
Taking fish oil capsules: contraindications
Fish oil is highly digestible and easily tolerated. But despite this, this dietary supplement has its own contraindications.
- allergic reaction;
- high calcium content
- individual intolerance to the components;
- hypervitaminosis (especially vitamin A and D);
- the presence of diseases of the kidneys and gallbladder;
- hypersensitivity and others.
Pregnant and lactating mothers need to be as responsible as possible and take fish oil only after consulting a doctor.
How much to take fish oil capsules
Before using fish oil, like any other drug, you must read the instructions. No need to come up with new regimens, just use the recommendations that are indicated on the drug. Of course, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the body, dosage form and dosage of capsules, age and purpose of administration.
For preventive purposes, 1-2 capsules per day with meals are usually sufficient. But for the treatment of diseases or for athletes, the dose must be increased.
For example, when I was taking , I got the flu. Usually I drank 2 capsules a day, but during the illness I increased the dose to 4, which helped me recover faster and the recovery period took much less time.
How to drink fish oil capsules to lose weight
Fish oil capsules are also suitable for people who want to lose extra pounds. Few people know, but this drug can help. The main secret is the correct calculation of the dosage. First you need to calculate how much excess weight you have. If less than 15 kg, then you need to take 2-4 grams of fish oil per day, if more, then no more than 5-6 grams.
Do not think that if you take the capsules, you will immediately lose weight. Not at all! Fish oil will support the body energetically, improve metabolism, and reduce the harm from an unbalanced diet. Remember, it does not burn fat. To lose weight with fish oil, you need to lead an active lifestyle, engage in physical education, and regularly visit the gym.
The effectiveness of this scheme was tested by my friend. She managed to get rid of fat in the most problematic areas - the abdomen and hips. She consumed 6 capsules ($9.79) a day, went to the gym regularly, and was on a low-calorie diet. As a result, she steadily dropped 1.5-2 kilograms per week!
Taking fish oil capsules: where to buy
Today, fish oil capsules are one of the most popular supplements, which has led to the emergence of a large number of fakes and pacifiers on the market. I have learned this from my own bitter experience. I managed to try a lot of drugs, both domestic and foreign. But, alas, I did not get the expected result.
Thanks to iHerb, I learned what real fish oil capsules are. Here you can find the widest range of high-quality fish oils from well-known manufacturers. Here everyone will find the right product for themselves!
Most of us try to stick to proper nutrition and an active lifestyle. And how many of us are on a 100% healthy diet?
This requires a lot of planning and work to get all the nutrients you need for health from food. So it's no surprise that sometimes we need help filling in the gaps.
This article focuses on the benefits of fish oil, namely the benefits for women and the benefits for men from taking supplements.
Is fish oil capsules good for you? This wonderful supplement has a host of health benefits, including healthy skin, a strong heart, and weight loss. Taking fish oil supplements is a great way to provide your body with essential fatty acids.
Fish oil is derived from fatty fish tissue and contains 2 types of omega-3 fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids.
Our body cannot produce enough of these acids on its own, so we need to get them through food and supplements.
Two servings of oily fish per week will fully cover the body's need for these acids. For these purposes, tuna, salmon or mackerel are perfect.
But if you don't eat fish regularly or if you have heart problems, then omega-3 supplements are a great way out.
There are several other omega-3 supplements besides fish oil.
Before we get into the benefits of fish oil supplements, let's look at the differences between some types of omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
As the name implies, krill oil is derived from krill, a small crustacean. Krill oil has similar properties and benefits to fish oil, but there is not much evidence for this at the moment.
The price of krill oil is more expensive than fish oil, almost 10 times.
It is sold in the form of small capsules, which contain antioxidants and phospholipids, which theoretically improve absorption.
Unfortunately, there is no concrete evidence that krill oil is better absorbed by the body than fish oil.
Some people prefer krill oil because there is no fishy burp after taking it, as after taking fish oil.
This unpleasant moment can be avoided if you know how to take fish oil correctly. For starters, choose odorless supplements, it is better to drink capsules immediately before meals. You can also try freezing them.
Cod liver oil vs. fish fat
These two fats have a similar nutrient composition. There are, of course, some unique differences between the two. Cod liver oil contains more fat-soluble vitamins A and D, but less omega-3 fatty acids.
Cod liver oil is made directly from the liver of this fish, which serves to filter out toxins. Is it useful?! I don’t think, because, most likely, the additives will contain any toxic substances, unlike fish oil, which is produced directly from fish meat.
In addition, cod liver oil contains a lot of vitamin A, so supplementation with them is not recommended during pregnancy. Vitamin A in high doses is unhealthy and can lead to birth defects and developmental defects, making fish oil a safe choice for pregnant women.
Linseed oil vs. fish fat
Flaxseed oil is often the choice of vegetarians as it is an excellent plant-based source of omega-3s.
Who cares? Flaxseed oil, unlike krill oil, fish oil and cod liver oil, does not contain EPA and DHA and is most often sold in liquid form. Instead, it contains alpha-linolenic acid, which can be converted in small amounts to EPA and DHA.
Only a small amount of flaxseed oil is absorbed by the body, and there is no evidence to suggest significant benefits from taking it. Therefore, flaxseed oil is not the best alternative to fish oil.
Useful properties of fish oil
What is useful fish oil in capsules for humans? Below are the most significant benefits of these yellow capsules.
1. They Support Heart Health
Fish oil is valued for its heart protective properties due to its omega-3 fatty acid content.
Omega-3 fatty acids lower serum triglycerides and increase good cholesterol (HDL). They do this by reducing the amount of fatty acids entering the liver, slowing down their synthesis and preventing enzymes from making triglycerides in the blood.
Less harmful substances in the blood means that the heart works better.
Studies show that taking omega-3s reduces the risk of heart failure.
2. They Reduce Inflammation
Many people most often turn to the help of fish oil to reduce inflammation, since non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a lot of side effects.
It is believed that omega-3s fight inflammation by sending a signal that stops the process almost at the initial stage, when the immune response first appears.
These supplements are extremely useful for treating chronic inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma.
A study conducted in 2006 confirmed the healing properties of fish oil in relation to chronic pain in the lower back and neck.
Patients used fish oil, and after almost a few months from the start of taking approximately 60 percent of them stopped taking NSAIDs due to improvements. 80 percent were satisfied with the results of regular supplementation.
3. Benefits of fish oil for eyes
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for people from birth, as they are necessary for the formation of normal vision.
Studies show that preterm infants who were supplemented with DHA (a component of fish oil) had better vision compared to infants who were not supplemented with complementary foods.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of eye diseases in old age, such as macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome.
A 2009 study found that people who consumed fish oil were 30% less likely to develop macular degeneration.
4. Fish oil for fat burning
It may seem counterintuitive that fat supplements help you lose weight, but it's true. Because we are talking about polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are extremely important for burning fat in the body.
A 2015 study confirmed the fat-burning effects of fish oil in animals.
The researchers divided the mice into two groups. Both groups received a hearty meal, but only one of them was given fish oil. They found that the second group of supplemented mice gained less weight and body fat, plus lower insulin and blood glucose levels.
How it works? The bottom line is that fish oil is able to turn white fat into brown fat by activating a protein called RB-1.
Brown adipose tissue is more useful than white adipose tissue because it is able to burn more calories. More calories burned means more pounds lost. Therefore, take fish oil for weight loss in capsules or another form convenient for you in order to lose weight by burning excess fat in the body.
5. Help prevent Alzheimer's
One of the most popular benefits of fish oil is its ability to promote brain health. It is able to prevent Alzheimer's disease, which affects almost half of people over the age of 85.
Researchers have found that omega-3 supplementation slows down brain atrophy by 70%.
Another study showed that they improve memory in people aged 50-70.
With this evidence supporting the link between omega-3 fatty acids and brain health, many experts recommend eating fish oil to prevent Alzheimer's.
6. Usefulness of fish for the skin
Fish oil not only protects our heart, brain, and eyes, it helps keep skin soft and shiny. It keeps the skin hydrated and stimulates the formation of healthy skin cells.
Fish oil improves the appearance of psoriasis skin and smoothes wrinkles. Mediterranean cuisine, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has even been proven to help fight acne.
7. Mental health benefits of fish oil capsules
There is an assumption that omega-3s are extremely important for mental health.
EPA and DHA, the two main types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils, are vital to the central nervous system. DHA is key to maintaining the normal functioning and health of neuronal membranes, while EPA supports normal neuronal activity.
Studies have confirmed the link between depression and a lack of omega-3s in the diet.
Studies including schizophrenia and depression have also confirmed the beneficial therapeutic effects of fish oil.
Other studies even indicate that fish oil may be useful in the treatment of borderline personality disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
How to drink fish oil for adults
I hope that it became clear why fish oil is so useful and applicable in relation to many aspects of human health.
The World Health Organization recommends taking at least 0.3-0.5 grams of EPA and DHA each day, which is equivalent to 2 x 1000 mg capsules. Don't forget to read the instructions for supplements and leave your feedback, comments and questions about the benefits and harms of fish oil for the body.
In the distant Soviet times, fish oil was a daily childish torture - not everyone was able to meekly drink a spoon for their mother. Then fish oil got capsules and it became much easier to swallow. Only one thing was certain - the great benefits of fish oil for the health of the child. Time passed, and it turned out that he would not hurt adults either. What is its benefit and is it not exaggerated?
What kind of animal
Interest in fish oil as a remedy for adults appeared in the 70-80s of the last century, when scientists discovered that the Eskimos and other peoples living in the Far North and eating mainly fish very rarely suffer from heart disease. But these diseases appear as soon as the Eskimos begin to eat like the rest of the civilized world. The cholesterol levels of the Eskimos were almost ideal at any age. Scientists have come to the conclusion that the reason for this is the abundance in the diet of fatty fish, a source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish oil, as the name implies, is a fat obtained from fatty fish, mainly cod, mackerel, herring. The composition of the amber liquid is quite unique - it contains vitamins A, D, various antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Previously, fish oil was given to children solely for the sake of vitamin D, which in the northern country the body produced little in winter. Now it turned out that fish oil is good not only as a prophylactic against a - a disease that develops with a lack of vitamin D.
It turned out that omega-3s have extremely valuable qualities. It is these fatty acids that reduce the risk of thrombosis, dilate blood vessels, improve regenerative processes in the body, normalize blood pressure, reduce the level of the stress hormone (cortisone), and improve the condition of the skin, nails and hair.
Vitamin A saves from free radicals, helps maintain normal vision and has a positive effect on immunity. Vitamin D is involved in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is essential for building bone tissue. And the available antioxidants slow down the aging process.
Fish oil and heart
Scientists in recent decades have been actively engaged in the study of the positive properties of this product. So, Greek researchers observed a group of people aged 18-90 years and came to the conclusion that regular consumption of oily fish at least 2-3 times a week or fish oil helps maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. This is largely due to the fact that fish oil can lower blood cholesterol levels. It is a proven fact that high cholesterol is one of the risk factors for heart disease. At the same time, it is believed that sardine and mackerel are the most useful in this regard.
Fish oil may protect against heart attack and the risk of sudden death from heart failure. According to studies, eating oily fish or fish oil increases the chance of surviving a heart attack by 30%. The risk of developing an attack is reduced due to the ability of omega-3 to reduce the likelihood of blood clots, which can clog the coronary vessels and lead to a heart attack.
Children and fish oil
Basically, fish oil is given to children so that there is no vitamin D deficiency. This is extremely important for the formation of bone tissue for the growth of a child. But it turned out that fish oils are good not only for this.
Australian scientists found that children who regularly took fish oil from infancy were much less likely to develop.
Fish oil and the brain
Recent experiments have shown that those people who consume sufficient amounts of omega-3 acids, the brain volume in old age is larger than that of their other peers, and is comparable to the brain volume of a young person. Meanwhile, reduced brain volume is often a sign of approaching Alzheimer's disease and brain aging. Omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) helps nerve cells communicate with each other. This is why fish oil is extremely beneficial for the brain.
American researchers have found that omega-3 acids and fish oil improve memory. The experiment involved 1,111 women. They took the drug for 8 weeks, and when their brain volume was tested, those who took omega-3s had almost 0.7% more brain volume and 2.7% more hippocampal area, the center responsible for for memory. It is known that this area begins to shrink in Alzheimer's disease, and the shrinkage occurs before the formidable signs of the disease begin to appear.
Therefore, American scientists believe that omega-3 acids and fish oil help maintain brain function and stay in a clear mind until the most advanced years.
Why else does fish oil have a beneficial effect on the brain and psyche? It turned out because it is able to increase the amount of serotonin in the body, which is responsible for a good mood. Therefore, with the help of fish oil, you can fight the autumn breakdown and lowering of mood, as well as depression. It is known that one of the reasons for it is considered to be a decrease in the amount of serotonin.
Fish oil and psychiatric disorders
People with bipolar mental disorder are characterized by sharp mood swings from severe depression to a state of euphoria and obsessive mania for something. Such people, in order to live a full life, are forced to constantly take antidepressants and various sedatives. It turned out that you can significantly alleviate the condition of such people if you introduce foods containing omega-3 into the diet.
Such a mental disorder, like, can greatly complicate socialization and interfere with a fulfilling life. Again, it turned out that here, too, fish oil can relieve symptoms.
Especially pronounced is the positive role of fish oil in the treatment of children with ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Such children cannot concentrate their attention for a long time, they are impulsive, their excitability prevails over inhibition, as a result of which, as they say, they cannot stop in time. Recent studies have shown that such children are very useful diet containing a large amount of omega-3 acids. And, therefore, fish oil in complex treatment will be very helpful.
US scientists even came to the conclusion that fish oil can reduce the number of ami diseases by 25%. 80 people at risk took part in Dr. Amminger's experiment, which divided them into two groups. Some received fish oil, others a placebo. A year later, it turned out that in the group that took fish oil, only 2 people had seizures, and in the one that drank “pacifiers”, 11.
The essential fatty acids in fish oil reduce the risk of early brain damage from oxidative stress. There is a hypothesis that children with OM had a genetic predisposition to be too sensitive to free radicals. And oxidative stress in these children can trigger the development of a. The supply of fatty acids to the body with the help of fish oil can prevent the development of abscess or alleviate its symptoms.
fish oil and
With glaucoma, it is especially important to control eye pressure. It turns out that the fatty acids that make up fish oil normalize the outflow of eye fluid, which helps to get rid of increased eye pressure. Of course, fish oil is not a cure for glaucoma, but it can improve the condition of a sick person and increase the effectiveness of medications taken.
Fish oil and overweight
In recent decades, more than 20 studies have been conducted that have unequivocally shown that fish oil helps fight excess weight. The results of research by Icelandic scientists were published in the International Journal of Obesity Problems. An experiment was conducted with the participation of 324 people with a large body weight. They took a month fish oil capsules, sunflower oil, fatty fish.
As a result, it was found that the combination of fish oil with a low-calorie diet allows you to quickly reduce body weight. The most effective combination of its reception with physical activity and exercise.
However, in fairness, it must be said that the mass loss in this case was not as large as we would like.
And the most important discovery can be called the fact that fish oil and its constituent omega-3 acids protect against damage to the DNA envelope. Omega-3 prolongs the life of cells and slows down the aging process.
Who should take fish oil
Taking fish oil as part of complex treatment is necessary for those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases, have visual impairments, often get sick, suffer from persistent low mood and depression. It will help improve the condition of hair and skin, restoring its elasticity. Also, fish oil improves the condition of the joints and is useful for patients with ami.
Externally, fish oil is an excellent treatment for ovaries and irritations.
How to drink medicine
An overdose of fish oil leads only to unpleasant consequences for the body. Like any medicine, fish oil must be taken correctly and strictly dosed. For an adult, the daily dose is 15 ml, or 1,000-2,000 mg per day. This is equal to 2-4 capsules of 500 mg. If the recommendation to take more than 10 capsules is written on the packaging of the dietary supplement, this should be alarming. You should not drink fish oil all at once at one time - it should be drunk 3 times a day.
Take fish oil should not be longer than a month. Then you definitely need to take a break, otherwise you can get an overdose of vitamin A, which is no less harmful than its lack.
It is best to start taking in the autumn months. In the summer you need to take a break.
An overdose can lead to a strong decrease in blood clotting.
For whom is fish oil contraindicated?
Fish oil will have to be abandoned by those who have fish. Also, you should not lean on it if calcium metabolism is disturbed in the body and its content in the blood is high, there are stones in the kidneys or gall bladder, kidney,. Caution should be taken by those who have chronic kidney and liver diseases, the elderly and lactating women. It is completely contraindicated in people with hemophilia.
A spoon of tar
Fish oil is useful and good in many ways. But nothing in the world is perfect. Fish oil also has its downsides.
Its taste qualities leave much to be desired. Although now, with the advent of gelatin shells, the taste of fish oil has ceased to be a minus.
The product is made from fish. So, its quality directly depends on the quality of the feedstock. Fish have the ability to accumulate mercury. And if fish oil is made from just such a fish, then it will, together with omega-3 fatty acids, supply mercury to the body that is completely unnecessary and even poisonous to it.
It should also be taken into account that if a person suffers from diseases of the pancreas, then fish oil can do him more harm than good.
Of course, fish oil is not a panacea for all diseases. And it can not be considered an independent medicine. But its unique properties allow it to be used as a powerful prophylactic against many diseases. Regular intake of fish oil allows you to keep your organs healthy and prolong life, making it much more active and full.
American doctors no longer believe in the usefulness of this supplement. Maybe it's time to stop engaging in self-deception and us?
Fish oil is now the third most popular dietary supplement after vitamins and minerals. About 10% of Americans drink it every day. It is believed that the omega-3 fatty acid it contains is very beneficial for our brain and serves as a protector of the cardiovascular system.
But there is one big problem: there have been quite a few clinical studies to find out how useful this product really is, but none of them have proven that it is capable of having any effect on your heart at all. It has nothing to do with whether or not you take fish oil or how likely you are to have a stroke.
Between 2005 and 2012 in the United States alone, there have been at least two dozen rigorous studies on the effects of fish oil on our health. We are talking only about those works that have been published in leading scientific journals. Each time, scientists tried to find out whether people suffering from high cholesterol, hypertension and type 2 diabetes should drink it.
All these studies have established that the benefits of fish oil are exactly the same as those of a placebo. In other words, it exists only when you yourself believe in it.
"Sales of this nutritional supplement are growing rapidly, all over the world at once. People don't care that all the progressive research has already proven its uselessness," says Andrew Gray, professor of medicine at the University of Auckland in New Zealand.
Why doesn't fish oil work? After all, it contains Omega-3, as well as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids! As you know, the latter thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots in the cardiovascular system. Omega-3 suppresses inflammation in the body and helps with atherosclerosis. But for some reason, they do not work as part of fish oil. They just don't digest!
Why is everyone around convinced of its benefits?
It all started in the 1970s, when Danish scientists Hans Olaf and Jorn Dyerberg discovered that the natives of Greenland, despite living in harsh climates, are generally much healthier than Europeans. They are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases, and their elders retain mental clarity longer. Then scientists concluded that all these miracles became possible thanks to fish oil, which is especially popular here. And people believed them!
Later, University of Ottawa cardiologist George Fodor discovered that there were many flaws in these studies. He concluded that the number of cardiovascular diseases among the Eskimos was seriously underestimated by the Danes. But the rumor around the miraculous effects of fish oil has not subsided. As often happens, belief in miracles turned out to be more important for people than harsh truth.
In the 1990s another high-profile Italian study showed that for heart attack survivors, fish oil was more effective in recovery than traditional vitamin E supplementation. This led the American Heart Association to recommend this supplement to anyone with heart problems.
What now?
“A lot has changed since then. Dozens of studies have shown that there is no benefit from it. But people don’t want to hear anything: pop culture and the media have done their job,” laments James Stein, director of the University of Wisconsin Heart Clinic.
The expert cites a study of 12,000 people published in 2013 by the New England Journal of Medicine. It showed that fish oil does not reduce mortality in people who have experienced a heart attack. It does not even reduce the symptoms of atherosclerosis.
"The era when everyone believed in the usefulness of this supplement is coming to an end. Attitudes towards it among the medical community are rapidly changing. Sooner or later we will be able to convey this understanding to ordinary people," concludes Dr. Gianni Tognoni from the Institute of Pharmacological Research in Milan.
Dr. Stein even warns that fish oil can be very dangerous if you take aspirin or other blood thinners along the way.
“We very often see patients who drink fish oil and take aspirin at the same time. And then they come to us with a problem: too frequent nosebleeds. We recommend that they stop taking fish oil - and the problem “resolves” by itself,” he says .
What do you think about this?