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 Fish
Oils
 The main components of these are long
chain omega-3 fatty acids but they are also high in vitamins A, E and D.
Many population studies in the west, including our own
nutritional testing services show that most people are deficient in
Omega 3. Likewise the ratio of omega 3 : 6 is not optimal. Too much
omega 6 competes with the body's production of long chain omega 3's from
the short chain types.
It
is often difficult to sustain a diet with enough omega 3 so a supplement
is recommended in many cases. Cod liver oil has high levels of omega 3
but is particularly high in Vitamin A which, if you are
deficient in it, would be beneficial. The problem for most of us with
normal levels is that taking excessive vitamin A actually increased the
levels of lung cancer, especially in ex-smokers. Unless we measure our
baseline Vitamin A levels it is safer to
take fish oils rather than the traditional cod liver oil, because it has
lower vitamin A levels.
Arthritis;
There is genuine trial evidence for the benefits of fish oil for
joint point pain and arthritis. Not only have well conducted trials
shown a reduction in joint discomfort, but they have demonstrated a
reduction in the underlying damage to the joint. A trial involving
patients with rheumatoid arthritis took 1 g of cod liver oil (one
capsule) daily for 3 months. Half reported a reduction in stiffness, and
40 percent a reduction in pain and swelling. An extremely eloquent study
from Cardiff University in 2004 examined the discarded arthritic knees
of people who had undergone knee replacement surgery. Some were treated
with Omega-3 fatty acids for 24 hours in a laboratory, others were not.
A chemical was added to mimic an inflammatory response, and the samples
examined four days later. When researchers looked at the cartilage
pieces, they found enzymes which are responsible for destroying
cartilage in arthritis present in the untreated group. But they were
‘turned off’ in those treated with Omega-3 fatty acids, as were the
enzymes which cause inflammation and pain in joints. This research,
therefore, showed that not only does fish oil reduce pain and
inflammation in the joints of people with osteoarthritis, but it also
turns off the enzymes responsible for destroying cartilage. If you have
joint stiffness and pain, it is certainly worth taking fish oil.
Other
benefits; There are other benefits of fish oils. Regular intake has been
shown to reduce cholesterol and help reduce the risks of heart attacks,
dementia and strokes. Population studies have demonstrated that
individuals who have who had higher intake of omega 3 have a low
incidence of cancer. Fish oil is also high in vitamin D which is
difficult to take in recommended amounts, particularly in the northern
hemisphere. As deficiencies in vitamin D have been also been linked to
osteoporosis a wide
range of cancers.
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