There has been an increasing attention to the benefits of Omega 3 by the science and health community and for this reason there has also been a increasing acceptance of fish oil in the news and commercials, and similar products have surfaced. Another term applied to describe fish oil is “deep sea fish oil”. What exactly is “deep sea fish oil” and why does it matter when purchasing a fish oil supplement?
Fish oil, in general terms, is not exactly produced from “deep sea” fish, or those kinds of fish living in very deep waters (1800m) where sunlight scarcely penetrates the water. Herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines (species that can be actually found in more shallow waters) are fish that possess the most oil and have the top natural omega-3 concentrations.
Because these species of fish are lower on the food chain, have shorter life spans, and are small in size, they do not contain as much toxins compared to the larger species that live longer (some can live as long as 70 years) and those that eat lots of smaller fish. This makes them better for fish oil supplements. Furthermore, the above-mentioned species are most suitable because of the fact that they can reproduce quickly and are easy to sustain.
Buying a product from a reputable company that specializes in fish oil products might offer some degree of assurance because there is simply no other way to be certain. For instance, a tag that says “deep sea” could just indicate that the fish were from the open ocean as opposed to from shallower waters. So, when you search for an omega-3 fish oil product, you would undoubtedly meet various marketing phrases and terms that, in turn, would translate into uncertainty and misinformation. Because the benefits of fish oil are becoming more accepted, these products can now be simply found in big chain stores, drug stores, and grocery stores. But with all these marketing claims that can baffle the uninformed consumers, what then do you need to you look for?
First, examine the label for the detailed fish species mentioned above rather than comprehensive terms like “fish oil concentrates” or “marine lipids.” Second, make certain that the exact quantity of DHA and EPA (the Omega-3s in fish oil) in each serving is indicated. It is a good idea to examine the DHA and EPA content against the price to make sure that you are getting the maximum value for your money. Before you buy your fish oil, it wouldn’t hurt if you do some sort of study and go for products from companies with a reputation for high standards of quality and purity. Even though such standards are not legally enforced in the United States, there are international guidelines and third-party testing organizations that create standards for fish oil quality. A reliable fish oil company will provide details about their manufacturing processes – from catching to canning / bottling – and present proof of their claims validated by dependable third-party agencies.
What are omega-3 fatty acids and why do we need them? Omega-3 fatty acids are not only good, but also essential, for our health. Because omega-3s can be best acquired from fish, taking fish oil is among the best and safest ways to get these highly valuable substances.
In more explicit terms, the benefits we can gain from fish oil supplementation consist of the lessened risk of cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. It can also aid to manage blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, clinical studies and research point out that the use of fish oil can relieve the symptoms related to disorders like depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, and bipolar. Fish oil also facilitates brain development and helps it to perform more effectively. Have we realized now that there is without a doubt a need for fish oil? However, it’s not necessary to purchase a fish oil product that claims to be “deep sea fish oil.”
Brittany D. Wallace is a nutrition expert and has been writing about fish oil for 10 years.
