Fish Oil Nutrition

Fish oil nutrition is just one of the many ways more and more families are coming together in an effort to maintain (or achieve) a lifestyle that is healthier. This is due, in large part, to doctors and physicians touting the health benefits of fish oil, including improving their patient's cholesterol levels as well as achieving an overall improvement to one's health. However, an overall understanding of fish oil nutrition should be contemplated prior to going out to buy fish oil softgels, fish oil pills, or liquid fish oil.  

Fish oil nutrition, derived primarily from the tissue of oily species of fish, is the direct result of the fact that they consist of eicosapentaenoic acid (or "EPA") and docosahexaenoic acid (or "DHA"). The acids are also known as essential "omega-3 fatty acids" because they are "essential" to normal human development. Fish oil benefits include a reduction of inflammation that have been linked to many human conditions and diseases, as well as contributing to numerous additional health benefits. 

A common misunderstanding about omega-3 fatty acids is how various species of fish obtain those essential fatty acids. Most people believe that fish actually produce them. However, this is incorrect. Fish obtain there omega-3 fatty acids by eating microalgae that produce these fatty acids, or by eating other fish that have accumulated them by eating the microalgae. 

However, as they say, not all fish species are created equal. What that means is that not all fish accumulate the same omega-3 fatty acid levels. There are several species of fish, such as salmon, halibut, shark, swordfish, and tilefish, that have more than 0.50 grams per three ounce serving (i.e., high levels of omega-3 fatty acids), while other species such as tuna, pollock, cod, catfish, flounder, grouper, mahi mahi, red snapper, and king mackerel have less than 0.50 grams per three ounce serving (i.e., lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids). 

It is important to note that most predatory species of fish (i.e., albacore tuna, tilefish, sword fish, shark), even though they are high in omega-3 fatty acids, should be consumed with caution as they are often high in toxic substances and other contaminants. This is due mainly as a result of biomagnification (i.e., predatory species of fish repeatedly eat other fish that have built up toxins and contaminants in their tissues). 

PCBs, mercury, dioxin and chlordane are the primary toxins and contaminants that fish oil consumers should be concerned with. As a result, the FDA (or Federal Drug Administration) has recommended that consumption of predatory species of fish be limited. As a result, many doctors have started recommending that their patients take fish oil supplements as they are manufactured in such a way so as to remove the chemicals and toxins from the fish oil. 

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The statements and information upon this website have not necessarily been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The products featured are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consumers should always consult their own medical practitioner(s) with any medical or health concerns before starting any new diet, product or supplement.