Latest Update on Fish Oil

Most readers of this newsletter know what a huge proponent I am of fish oils.  These three Clinical Pearls highlight the importance of omega 3 fatty acids for ameliorating three different conditions.

FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTATION ALTERS INFLAMMATION IN WOUND HEALING

In a randomized study, researchers found that supplementation with fatty acids from fish oil sped up the re-epithelialization of wounds and decreased markers of inflammation significantly better than placebo.

FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTATION IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

145 pregnant mothers who were at risk of have children with allergies were supplemented with fish oils (1.6 g/day of EPA and 1.1 g/day of DHA).  Oil was given from the 25^th gestational week until after 3.5 weeks of breastfeeding.  Maternal ingestion of fish oil decreased the risk of atopic allergies for up to 2 years in the children.  In those children that did have allergies, the symptoms were less severe.

FISH INTAKE AND OSTEOPOROSIS

In a study involving 623 adults with a mean age of 75 years, high intakes of fish (over 3 servings/week) were found to be associated with improved bone health.  Specifically, consumption of dark fish and tuna was associated with higher femoral neck bone density.  Researchers stated it was the EPA and DHA in the fish that conferred protection from bone loss.  (Dr. Yim prefers using the pharmaceutical fish oil and eating less fish to avoid the heavy metals and toxins.)