Omega 3 oils....are they all the same?

Question

It has been suggested to me to try Fish oil/omega 3 to help my daughter with her learning/processing and concentration difficulties at school and I was wondering if the $80 bottles of 1000 capsules were as effective as the $20 bottles....is it all the same and the price difference only a matter of brand name not quality???

Answer 1

Hi VMMC. Please 'ignore' the 'advice' from the first answerer, it is less than accurate.

Your question is simple, but the answer is not. There can be a difference in the quality of fish oil products. A good product meets the following criteria:

1) It comes in a dark/opaque bottle because light can damage unsaturated oils like fish oils.

2) It contains Vitamin E to protect the oils from lipid peroxidation.

3) The bottle has an expiration date.

Those are the 'simple' tests you can do. If the product fails any of them, do not buy it.

Here are some additional issues you cannot easily evaluate and therefore, you are dependent on the reputation of the manufacturer.

1) The fish oils should be regularly tested by an independent laboratory to be sure the fish oil is free of mercury and other toxic contaminants common in fish.

2) The fish oils actually contain the amount of specific oils listed on the label.

An important issue for your daughter is that she may need fairly high doses of the 'active ingredients' (EPA and DHA) in the fish oils. This is not only expensive but also requires her to swallow a lot of pills. Therefore, you may want to find a 'concentrated' product that has been processed to produce high levels of EPA and DHA per capsule. These cost more per capsule, but less overall for the amount of ingredients provided. The 'processing' also insures the purity/safety of the final product.

Good sources of quality fish oils include:
1) Nordic Naturals
2) Carlson Labs
3) Thorne Research

I believe you can purchase these products through a great supplier in N.Y. called "NEEDS". They usually sell their vast variety of nutritional products at a discount from retail pricing and they offer great assistance in helping you choose the right product. Their number is 1-800-634-1380.

Lastly, flaxseed oils provide alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) the 'precursor' to DHA and EPA. Unfortunately, studies have shown that only small amounts of EPA and DHA are synthesized in the body from the flaxseed source. Therefore, this product may not be adequate for your daughter's needs.

I know I have given you a lot to think about and absorb. This is an important issue for you and your daughter. There are many fine books on this subject that would be worth your time to read to learn more. Amazon, your local health food store, and NEEDS are good sources of educational books on fish oils/omega-3 fatty acids.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 2

The advice given in the first answer was a little sketchy and warped, so ignore that. The other answers are good. There are different types of fish oils that you can get, Id recommend you did a bit of internet research. I've just bought some krill oil, which is suppose to be a lot better than the others on the market.

Also - look at her diet in general if she is having concentration difficulties.

Answer 3

I totally agree with Doctor J. Most fish oils are 1000mg and are usually comprised of 180 EPA and 120 DHA. For any attention disorders it is generally recommended for kids to take 4 of these tablets. Always ensure that they have been tested for Mercury levels and if buying salmon oil for omega 3, check to see if they are sourced from wild salmon - not farmed salmon. It really is a supplement that everybody should be on if they don't consume alot of fish - good luck with it!!

Answer 4

not always, some oils have fillers, stuff in it to take up space to make it a certain amount...these can be bad for you and bring on weight gain and un-needed waste to your body....try cookin with extra virgin olive oil, you only need two teasponns a day to tae effect. do not heat it or it will not react properly. i dont suggest taking more that that because too much essential oil can cause seriously oily hair and skin, not to mention it acts as a lubricant to you bady and helps you have more productive bowel movements. too much omega 3,6, and 9 can give you the runs.

look up on google for a listing of foods that naturally have the oil in them already. this way for eat, and get the essential oil at the same time, and you dont waste your money on something that isnt what you need....

Answer 5

IF YOU ARE GOING WITH OMEGA'S USE A COMBO WITH 3 - 6 - 9. THE ALL WORK TOGEATHER!
i WOULD ALSO GIVE HER LECITHIN - IT SUPPORTS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, CARDOVASCULAR AND THE ALL IMPORTANT LIVER!
ALL CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES ARE PROCESSED IN THE LIVER, ESPALLY FATS AND OILS...BEST OF LUCK!!!