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What is This Fuss About Fish Oils?
by Dr. David L. Wick, D.C.

In our society, we have been mostly conditioned to avoid fatty foods. This, of course, led to a very lucrative "Fat-Free!" and lowfat commercial foods market. While these products received much acclaim, they did not contribute some of the much-needed nutritional values of essential fatty acids.   There are some fats that our bodies actually need that are not produced by the body. Such fats are only obtained through food. Among these fats are two classes, omega-3s and omega-6s.   Optimally, we will eat omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in a 1:1 ratio, but with our modern diets, achieving that balance is rare. In fact, most people are estimated to eat 25 times more omega-6s than omega-3s. This imbalance can mean troubles such as heart diease or circulatory disorders.

So where can people find omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids?

Omega-6 fats are found in such foods as chicken, beef and nuts. It may also be found in oils such as vegetable and olive oils. Looking at this list can quickly show why consumption of omega-6s is so abundant in our society.

Omega-3s are also able to be found in plentiful supply, but they are generally in foods that are not as readily consumed on the same scale as those containing omega-6s. Flaxseeds, avocados, nuts and cold-water fish all contain omega-3s. To some degree, omega-3s may also be found in canola oil.

The reasons why cold-water fish oils are celebrated, in particular, is the presence of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Each of these specific omega-3 fatty acids are considered vital for health.

The structure of DHA may be found in the mitochondria of nerve cells in our bodies. Synaptosomes, where nerve cells communicate with one another, also have high concentrations of DHA.  Further, the outer layer of the brain is dense with DHA-containing cells. Such being the case, nerve functions on all levels appear to be enhanced by DHA. 

DHA also plays a significant role in vision as the retina's photoreceptors contain DHA in concentrated amounts.

While EPA does not seem to have structural importance in brain and nerve function, it has a significant effect on the messengers called eicosanoids. These messengers influence inflammation, blood clotting, blood vessel integrity and immune function. It would seem that much of heart health is influenced by consumption and utilization of EPA.

Unfortunately, imbalance in omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratios can mean additional burdens on our heart and circulatory system. While highly important in body functions, omega-6 fatty acids include arachidonic acid, that when found in levels that are too high in cell membranes, increase tendency of forming pro-inflammatory substances. The resultant effects may include increases in pain, swelling , inflammation, blood vessel spasm and increased clotting.

Balancing the ratios of omega-3s to omega-6s allows the blending of benefits that both provide, but imbalances can produce frightening results.

Eating more cold-water fish like salmon and tuna may improve the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s, but supplementation seems to be the best choice for most people. The supplements I use in my office are tested for high standards of purity from toxic metals, found in dietary fish, such as mercury. Further, because most people simply do not eat enough cold-water fish to enjoy the omega-3 benefits, supplementation provides a convenient way of consistently adding more EPA and DHA to one's diet.

From the developing fetus to the functions of adults and seniors, all people may find EPA and DHA important in optimal health.

It is important to understand that not all fish oils are alike, however. Cod liver oil, for instance, provides high concentrations of vitamin A but not necessarily high concentrations of EPA and DHA. Further, not all fish oils are held to the highest standards of production. The omega-3 oil I use is produced to the highest quality specifications. Each batch is tested for PCBs, mercury, peroxides and anisidine levels.

While fish oils are not the only source of omega-3s, they seem to be one of the most readily-available sources of high concentrations of EPA and DHA. Such being the case, most people should consider them as an option for their diet.