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The Proper Dosage of Fish Oil - How to Find It
Scientists have been trying to determine the proper dosage of fish oil to prevent re-clogging of the arteries after bypass surgery and other procedures. In some studies, the supplements were beneficial. In others, no benefit was seen.
Some doctors recommend a supplement, because they think it can't hurt. Recent studies and even a lawsuit in the state of California bring up the safety of the supplements.
If they contain contaminants, it is possible that the supplements could 'hurt' by causing health problems, rather than benefits. There are questions concerning what level of contamination is necessary to cause the detrimental effects.
Manufacturers are not required to warn their customers about mercury and PCBs. Supplements are unlikely to contain mercury, according to scientists, because the heavy metal binds to protein, not fat. They are far more likely to contain PCBs.
PCBs are hazardous chemicals that were banned in the US during the late 1970s. But, other countries continued to use them.
Even if all countries had stopped at the same time the US did, PCB contamination could still be a problem, because they are not biodegradable. The chemicals remain in the environment for an unknown period of time.
In order to determine the proper dosage of fish oil, the PCB content should be taken into account. But, since manufacturers are not required to test for them or warn customers that they might be present, it's hard to be sure exactly what you are taking.
It could be possible to find a company that you trust, one that has been in business for a long time or comes highly recommended by friends or family members. You can be confident that your purchase is a good one, if the manufacturer provides written guarantees and copies of laboratory analyses.
Once you are sure that you are dealing with a good company, you can follow their directions concerning the proper dosage of fish oil. Most manufacturers recommend 2000mg per day, although 3000-5000mg has been used in some studies.
The prescription formulation, which is used for high blood triglycerides, is taken at high dosages. Some doctors are much opposed to the idea of a prescription brand, primarily because supplements are far less expensive.
They feel that the cost of the prescription formulation, even though covered by insurance, drives up the price of healthcare for everyone. They also feel that you can get the proper dosage of fish oil for any condition by taking a supplement.
The better brands provide 500mg of total omega-3s and 280mg of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) per 1000mg capsule. DHA is known to be essential for normal brain function and development. In studies, DHA supplementation has been beneficial for depression and ADHD.
Increased omega-3 intake has proven benefits for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, as well as the known benefits for cardiovascular health. Like some doctors say, as long as you are confident in the purity of the supplement, there is no reason not to take one. Consult the manufacturer or your doctor concerning the proper dosage of fish oil for you.
About the author: Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
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