Fish Oil Supplements-Friend or Foe?

[jerry78]

According to studies, Fish Oil supplements are good for lowering Triglycerides, HOWEVER, did you know that several other studies have shown that Fish Oil can actually cause a RISE in LDL Levels ?

So, what are we to make of this?
Take them to lower our tri's, or risk the possibility of raising our LDL?

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Jerry78,

Thanks for the post.  This topic is controversial.

There is little controversy that fish oil supplementation lowers triglyceride serum levels.  Most studies have shown no significant change on LDL levels, although a few have shown an increase in LDL in subjects who had hypertriglyceridemia.  When patients have received an isoenergetic diet, however, most studies show an overall benefit to lipid profiles.  The point is that fish oil supplements are caloric, and thus taking them can increase the total cholesterol intake.

What is more important than what effects the fish oil has on lipid profiles is what effect they have on mortality -- no one wants to die sooner, but with a good lipid profile!  Four major studies have examined this issue, in varying populations, with an overall protective effect seen with fish oils.

I've included the ATP III recommendations below, for more info see the NIH site:http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/

Hope that helps.

Recommendation: Higher dietary intakes of n-3
fatty acids in the form of fatty fish or vegetable oils
are an option for reducing risk for CHD. This recommendation
is optional because the strength of
the evidence is only moderate at present. ATP III
supports the American Heart Association’s recommendation
that fish be included as part of a CHD
risk-reduction diet. Fish in general is low in saturated
fat and may contain some cardioprotective
n-3 fatty acids. However, a dietary recommendation
for a specific amount of n-3 fatty acids is not being
made (See Section VI for ATP III recommendations
on n-3 supplements for reducing risk for CHD.)

[raildown]

eating fatty fish loaded with omega3s is probaly more effective than fish oil supplements whic may vary considerably in quality, potency etc;

what is your cholesterol profile and have you tried lowering TG with diet ?

I lowered my TG from 275 to 90 by eliminating most refined sugars/flours and cranking up exercise level...switched to whole grains and whole fruits...;

//

[Heartstrings]

Current information relating to mercury toxicity may preclude standard advice about eating fresh fish. If the inclusion of omega 3 fatty acids into your diet is your goal, supplements may be the better route. This from today's SF Chronicle--I can't imagine that other areas of the country are less polluted! I agree that eating lots of whole grains and (preferably organic) vegetables can be a good solution.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2003/11/23/MNGIO394FI1.DTL

[TITUS]

Try flaxoil and DHA.  They are both great and terrific for your brain and heart.  I also eat fish twice a week (salmon is great).  I have found that education on proper fats has helped so many people.

Canola oil and olive oil (both organic) are all I use for cooking.

My triglicerides (triglycerides) are 44, my husband's are 37
My HDL is 100, my LDL is 50 (doctors find it hard to believe)
My husband's HDL is equal to his LDL (70)

I attribute this to using the right oils and lots of lean meat, fruit, veggies and not eating much starch with high glycemic index.  I must admit when I want a treat I do it right......then go back to my healthy eating with no guilt.

kim