EPA Fish Oil Supplements & Information

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Uses  

• Cardiovascular Health: Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health and may prevent the accumulation of plaque (cholesterol and fat) on the walls of the arteries. Fish oil supplementation may also reduce high blood pressure in people with diabetes.

• Autoimmune Diseases: The omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, found in fish oils have been shown to modify the immune response and may be helpful in treating inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• Growth and Development: The omega-3 fatty acids in proper balance are essential for normal growth and development. Nutrition experts have issued recommendations for appropriate intake of each type of omega-3 fatty acid in infant formulas and diets. According to these recommendations, intake of EPA for infants on formula diets should be less than 0.1%.

• Fish oil inhibits hepatic lipogenesis and stimulates fatty acid oxidation in the liver, resulting in decreased triacylglycerol concentrations.

• Other Conditions: Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, may also have positive effects on lung and kidney diseases, Type II diabetes, obesity, ulcerative colitis, anorexia nervosa, Crohn's disease, burns, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and early stages of colorectal cancer.   vgo to top

Dietary Sources  

• EPA can be obtained by eating cold water fish such as wild salmon (not farm raised), mackerel, cod, flounder, tune, halibut, blue fish, sword fish, sardines, and herring.

• Certain types of shellfish, such as shrimp, also contain w-3 fatty acids. A seven ounce portion of herring usually provides 3.2 g of w-3 fatty acids. A seven ounce portion of salmon or bluefish provides 2.4 g of w-3 fatty acids. Seven ounces of tuna provides approximately 1 g of w-3 fatty acids.

• Supplements generally contain oils from marine fish or from seal oil. Concentrations of w3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are generally described on the labels.   vgo to top

Dosages

Recommendations for adequate intakes put forth by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) appear below.

Pediatric:

• EPA is naturally found in breast milk; therefore, infants that are breastfed should receive sufficient amounts of EPA.

• ISSFAL recommends that formula for infants contain less than 0.1% EPA. 

Adult:

• The adequate daily intake of EPA for adults should be at least 220 mg/day. 

• Therapeutic recommendations from diet: 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week, which corresponds to 1,250 mg EPA plus DHA per day.

• Fish oil supplements: 3,000 to 4,000 mg standardized fish oils per day. This amount corresponds to 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week.

Some commercial products may also contain vitamin E to maintain freshness. For supplements, follow the directions on product labels for both dosage information and storage requirements; some products may require refrigeration. Do not use products beyond their expiration date.   vgo to top

Warnings  

Supplements containing EPA may not be recommended for infants or small children because they upset the proper balance with DHA, another omega-3 fatty acid needed during early development. This suggests that pregnant women should also be cautious about taking fish oil supplements.

Fish oil capsules may be associated with side effects such as loose stools, abdominal discomfort, and unpleasant belching. In addition, they may prolong bleeding time slightly; therefore, people with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should discuss the use of fish oil capsules with their healthcare providers before taking them. Consumption of fish oil supplements may also increase antioxidant requirements in the body. Taking extra vitamin E along with these supplements may be warranted; again, please consult your healthcare provider.   vgo to top