Consumer healthcare specialist Dr. Tod Cooperman explains what you should look for when buying a fish oil supplement. Watch Dr. Cooperman's video for tips and information on nutritional supplements.
Be aware that only about one-third of the oil from fish is rich in EPA and DHA. Many supplements also contain vitamin E or other antioxidants to stabilize the oils and prevent them from becoming rancid. If you choose to buy a fish oil supplement, check the label carefully to see if it recommends refrigeration to prevent spoiling.
Most brands of fish oil have been proven safe, free of detectable traces of mercury, and do not contain unsafe levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), a toxin and pollutant believed to pose various health threats.
To avoid contaminants in an unrefined supplement, it's best to choose a fish oil supplement made from small, oily fish like anchovy, sardines, or menhaden.
This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
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Make sure that the supplement provides the amount of omega-3 fatty acids that your doctor suggests. Supplements frequently supply 180 milligrams (mg) of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) -- the two main omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.
Check that the manufacturer's address is on the label -- and, ideally, an e-mail or phone number, too -- so that you can get in touch if you have questions or concerns. Also check that the company certifies that the product is free of environmental pollutants like mercury, pesticides and dioxins, which may be present in some fish. Avoid products that carry phrases on the label indicating they are miracle cures, medical breakthroughs or other unsubstantiated claims.
Each fish oil capsule is approximately 900-1000 mg. The amount of EPA and DHA can vary quite a bit according to the brand, but a good rule of thumb is to add the DHA + EPA and ensure it equals half, or more than half, of the content of the capsule. For example, in a 980 mg capsule, EPA + DHA may equal 500 mg in total. Depending on the situation, you may also opt for a different ratio of EPA to DHA. If your goal is to reduce acute inflammation (such as post-surgery), you may choose a capsule that is higher in EPA, whereas if mood/brain health is your goal (such as during pregnancy), you should select a capsule that is higher in DHA. These are often available in a 6:1 ratio. I recommend taking three capsules (or one teaspoon) of high quality fish oil with meals twice daily for reduced inflammation, weight loss, healthy skin and insulin sensitivity.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.