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ARE FISH OILS BETTER THAN STATINS FOR HEART DISEASE?

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ARE FISH OILS BETTER THAN STATINS FOR HEART DISEASE? Not that this should come as a shocker, but the answer is a very, very strong yes. This current study on primary prevention of fatal heart attacks shows that those with the highest intakes of EPA + DHA (still only at a very low 234 mg /day) had a 62% lower risk of fatal heart attack (compare to less than 50% w/ statins). The absolute risk reduction is relatively unexciting, but consider this. Statins cost tens of billions / year to our health system. The cost of side effects is much, much higher (concerns over certain cancers, muscle problems, liver problems, and yes–even heart problems!). And statins work for heart disease only.

Fish oils, in this study, were at a very low level (234 mg vs at least 1,000 mg in most studies), cost much less, and rather than having negative side effects, they protect against many cancers, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s, stroke, blah, blah, blah… Get the picture? One last sickening fact–Omacor / Lovaza is a prescription of fish oils. Not the best quality. The cost to your insurance? $200+ / month. Biotics brand we sell in office that is of higher quality? $25 / month. That should induce gastritis…

Read entire article here

WHICH FAT FROM THE SEA WILL KEEP YOU SMARTER?

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WHICH FAT FROM THE SEA WILL KEEP YOU SMARTER?  In this trial of omega 3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA, DHA) and cognitive function in middle aged (35-54) individuals, higher levels of DHA, the higher the levels of DHA, the better the mental performance.  The ultimate source of DHA is primarily algae (hence finding it in “fish oils”–the fish eat the algae).  It is extremely high in mother’s milk vs cow’s milk (30x higher), and infant formulas are only now starting to add it in.

Overall, a diet higher in DHA (mostly from cold water, wild caught fish, unless you actually like to gnaw on algae..) will be protective to the brain from the womb to the grave.  Unfortunately, the standard American diet is almost completely devoid of omega 3 fatty acids.  As an FYI–if you don’t have a Costco membership, get one.  They have all kinds of cost-efficient, wild caught frozen seafood.

AM I TAKING ENOUGH FISH OILS?

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Typically, the answer is a pretty strong no.  The research on the benefits of healthy fats are all over the board, and this particular study is no exception.  Ever since fats were demonized in the early 90s as a result of the USDA’s food guide pyramid (remember–the one with “fats and oils-use sparingly” at the top while refined carbs were proudly displayed across the bottom?) nutritional experts were warning about the detrimental effects from the lowered intake of omega 3 fatty acids.  They predicted increased rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.  And sure enough, we have seen increased risks of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity (among other chronic diseases).

The most common of the omega 3s are ALA, DHA and EPA.  Each have health benefits of their own.  ALA is principally derived from plant sources such as flax seed, nuts and seeds (pumpkin is high in ALA).  The “fish oils” are DHA and EPA.  Their ultimate source is DHA in algae.  The vegetarian fish eat the algae, leading to higher levels of DHA in the fish.  Salmon is a great example.  These fish are then in turn eaten by large fish like halibut.  The vegetarian fish like salmon, tilapia and trout are the better sources for the omega 3 fatty acids because the mercury content is lower.  But NEVER eat farm raised–farm raised are fed corn (an omega 6 fatty acid), are high in pesticides and are dyed with a dye to give the “natural” color (wild caught salmon’s pink color is from the carotenoids in their diet).

From a supplement standpoint, it is rare that patients taking fish oils are taking decent dosages.  This particular study, which shows strong benefit in those with chronic heart failure, found most benefit from 4 GRAMS per day.  Not four capsules, but 4 grams.  In many cases, the capsules will contain anywhere from 300 mg to 740 mg, depending on strength.  Do the math–this could mean up to 13 capsules per day if it is the cheaper, less strength, supplements.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002870311001645