Dangers of Fish OilThis is review about the benefits of fish oils as a source of EPA while at the same time talks about some of the precautions that need to be weighed. Since linolenic acid is a precursor of EPA, and readily available in the food supply, plant based alternatives to fish oils are offered.

In the 1970’s several studies have been conducted on Greenland Eskimos that led to the opinion that an increase in marine based Omega 3 fatty acids was associated with a lowered risk of coronary artery disease. This apparent correlation was strengthened in 1985 by three articles printed in the same issue of the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.

Since then there were other studies conducted that have indicated that fish oils may have several benefits including reduction of plasma triacylglycerols, platelet function, blood viscosity, and inflammatory processes. Possible positive effects may also be seen in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, depression, and it is even suggested they may have a preventative effect for breast and colon cancer4 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

However, certain cautions are warranted and should be addressed. An increased consumption of fish will increase dietary cholesterol and thereby increase plasma LDL in most people. (“HDL/LDL ratio does not improve when saturated fat is replaced by carbohydrate. Low-fat diet has been considerably less effective in lowering total or LDL cholesterol than predicted.” Journal of Cardiovascular Risk; No. 1, June 1994.) Other potential dangers include a worsening of blood sugar levels in diabetic people, increased clotting time, and increase in body weight. Fish oil tablets are expensive. Sea food is a large reservoir for infectious diseases. And toxins in polluted waters concentrate in the fatty tissues of fish.

Most studies looking at the beneficial aspects of Omega 3 fatty acids have based their studies on the 20 carbon long chain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). However EPA is not an essential fatty acid as the body can synthesize it from linolenic acid, and abundance of which can be found in vegetable oils especially flaxseed, walnuts, and canola oil. These foods have the potential for providing all the benefits of fish oils, without their potential harmful side effects.

 

Mike Maunu – Founder
Oxygen4Life.com

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