How Can the EPA & DHA in Fish Oil Help Remove Health Problems

It is important to check the EPA and DHA in fish oil supplements.  The content of those specific fatty acids varies greatly.  The health problems that may be alleviated by supplementation are numerous, but if the fatty acid content is low, then you are wasting your money, no matter how little that you spend.

Here are some suggestions for choosing a valuable supplement.

You Want a Minimum of 500mg of Total Omega-3s

Typically, each capsule contains 1000mg or one gram of fat, but only so much of that is omega-3 fat.  The total DPA (another omega-3) EPA and DHA in fish oil supplements should be listed on the label.  That total should be at least 500mg.  For the prevention of chronic and life threatening health problems, the average adult should take at least two capsules per day.  More may be recommended for specific health problems, such as arthritis.
     
You Want Very Low Omega-6 Content

We get too many omega-6s in our diet, anyway.  But, all supplements will contain at least a small amount of omega6s.  Check the label.  There should be a maximum of 40mg per 1000mg capsule or less than 4%.  Omega-6s contribute to inflammation and chronic health problems, as well as heart disease.
  
You Want High Docosahexaenoic Acid Content

The total EPA and DHA in fish oil varies, as mentioned earlier, but in most cases, the Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA content is higher.  You want a supplement that contains at least 280mg of Docosahexaenoic acid and at least 120mg of Eicosapentaenoic acid.  At two capsules per day, that is equivalent to amounts that have proven to be beneficial for health problems, in clinical studies.  Some of the problems that have been alleviated include depression and attention deficit disorders, stress and anxiety, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, high blood triglycerides and irregular heartbeats.   

You Want No Impurities in Fish Oil

That might seem obvious, but independent laboratory analysis has shown that some brands contain cancer-causing contaminants, such as PCBs and dioxins.  Mercury is another common contaminant.  The only way to be confident about what you are buying is to check the manufacturer’s standards for purity. 

If they adhere to the International Fish Oil Standards, then that’s pretty good.  But, some manufacturers have even higher standards.  The IFOS allows for a certain amount of contaminants to be present in each batch. 

There are no official regulations or industry standards concerning the amount of EPA and DHA in fish oil supplements.  The levels can be high or low.  Some manufacturers make standard and “plus” versions that contain higher amounts. 

Impurities can cause health problems.  Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate them.  But, the two can cancel each other out.  It is possible to get the benefits, without the risks.  You just have to be careful about which brand you buy.
 
Remember that the EPA and DHA in fish oil vary.  Always check the nutrition facts, before you buy.  You can do that by reading the label on the bottle or by visiting the manufacturer’s website. 

And now please visit the XtendFishOil website listed below for updated information on EPA and DHA in fish oil and health problems.