Who Needs Fish Oil, and Why?

Why is fish oil considered to be a necessary part of a healthy diet?

Fish oil has been found to contain several key beneficial substances for human health.
Oil from certain types of fish such as salmon, sardines, cod, tuna and anchovies is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.  These compounds support sound cardiovascular health and joint health.  In 2002 the American Heart Association issued new guidelines on fish and fish oil consumption because evidence from numerous scientific studies showed that the omega-3 fatty acids support cardiovascular health by lowering high triglyceride levels.  Yet, despite the evidence of the clear health benefits of omega-3s, most of us do not consume enough fish on a weekly basis (two or more servings) to get all of the omega-3s we need.

In addition, long-chain omega-3s are important to nervous system and brain development. It is crucial that  women of childbearing age who are pregnant or may become pregnant should consume enough omega-3s.  Omega-3s are also important for children as well since their brains are growing rapidly.

Finally, DHA is also important for eye development and growth.

Besides fish, there are several other sources of omega-3s.  Eggs rich in omega-3s are now available from hens which fed a diet rich in omega-3s.

Flax seeds and oil are an important source of vegetarian omega-3s for someone following a vegan diet. 

What about omega-3 supplements?

A quality fish oil supplement can be beneficial to health. But the quality of the fish oil supplement is an important consideration. Sourcing is also a factor.  Small clean fish and sustainable practices blend both EPA and DHA with vitamin D.

 It is best to choose a supplement that has been thoroughly tested and rated for purity, because not all fish oil supplements are of equal quality, and thus benefit. In 2011 Consumer Reports found 27% of supplements tested have levels of PCBs that would require a warning label under Prop. 65 in California.

USANA's BiOmega is an omega-3 fish oil supplement that has been independently tested and rated for quality and purity as compared to other similar supplements. BiOmega test results confirm it as extremely pure and thus safe, with no detectable levels of lead or PCBs.
BiOmega also works better than a statin drug for lowering cholesterol.

In a recent study, ConsumerLab.com determined that USANA’s BiOmega contains its labeled amount of fish oil, EPA, DHA and Omega-3s. This study tested similar products from various nutritional supplement manufacturers to determine whether they in fact contained the amounts of these compounds stated on their labels. Problems were discovered in 30 percent of the other fish oil and omega-3 supplements.

In light of new FDA warnings against potentially unsafe supplements available on the market, studies like this help consumers and health care professionals make better decisions and more informed recommendations when it comes to supplements.

As the Consumerlab report noted, BiOmega rates high in purity.

While fish oil supplements such as BiOmega may be beneficial to your health, it is always best to consult your medical provider before using any supplements.