Fat Phobia

The 1980's and 90's were the heyday for "fat-phobia." These days, informed consumers know otherwise - that powerful health benefits are associated with the addition of specific fat supplements to the diet. Among the most crucial of the dietary fats are the omega-3 essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Extensive medical research has substantiated the health benefits of DHA supplementation (specifically fish oil products) for both attaining optimal health and for treatment and prevention of a variety of illnesses. (Although foods such as flax, walnut, soy, and pumpkin contain important other fatty acids, they are inefficient at increasing cellular levels of EPA and DHA.)

EPA & DHA Important to Brain Function

An impressive 25% of total human brain fat is DHA with a substantial incorporation of DHA into the brain occurring during the third trimester of prenatal development as well as during the early postnatal period. Deficiencies of maternal DHA as well as postnatal dietary deficiencies have been linked to behavioral problems, visual dysfunction, and other neurological disorders. These abnormalities are not unexpected when considering that DHA plays a pivotal role in the formation of neurons, glial cells, and neuronal membrane fluidity. Fortunately, deficiencies of brain DHA are reversible with appropriate supplementation and may occur in just a few weeks.

Deficiencies of DHA and EPA in depressed patients have prompted research evaluating the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation. The Archives of General Psychiatry reports a remarkable 50% reduction in depressive symptoms among 53% of medicated depressed patients who began supplementation of fish oil. EPA and DHA may also protect against the higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death found among patients with depression.

Benefits to Cardiovascular System

The idea that fish oil may be beneficial in coronary heart disease was first described in a landmark publication in 1980. Subsequent studies have confirmed profound decreased risk for coronary heart disease related to fish consumption with further research identifying marked reduction of tri-glycerides in individuals taking fish oil supplements. The importance of omega-3 fats for cardiovascular health is now so well-established that the American Heart Association released a statement in November, 2002 declaring that "people with elevated triglycerides may need 2 to 4 grams of EPA and DHA per day provided as a supplement."

Fish oil supplements have also shown to be therapeutic in a variety of other health issues including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, asthma, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis.

Is Fish Oil Safe?

While these studies clearly provide ample support for recommending fish oil supplementation to a well balanced diet, the appropriateness of simply increasing fish consumption as an alternative is controversial. A recent study reported by the Associated Press summarized research demonstrating that having just 2 or more servings of fish weekly led to toxic levels of mercury in 89% of 116 subjects studied. Because it is possible to remove heavy metals and other impurities from fish oil supplements, reports like these strengthen the case for fish oil supplementation as a primary source of omega-3 fats. However, simply choosing to use a fish oil supplement doesn't necessarily reduce the risk for contaminants. Inappropriate processing of fish oils can provide a product high in heavy metals, PCBs, and in addition, exaggerate lipid peroxide formation.

The importance of fish oil supplements for health preservation as well as in the treatment of various illnesses cannot be overstated. It is imperative however that these supplements be of the highest quality and purity. Nordic Naturals fish oils were chosen for use at the Perlmutter Health Center as the exclusive fish oil supplements because their products are unsurpassed with respect to both purity and production technique. These fish oil supplements have taken on a pivotal role in the various comprehensive protocols utilized at The Perlmutter Health Center for the treatment of neurodegenerative, psychiatric, behavioral, and many general medical problems as well.