4_4FishOil Flashcards
What are the 3 main omega-3’s?
DHA, EPA, ALA
DHA
docosahexanoic acid
EPA
eicosapentanoic acid
ALA
alpha-linoleic acid
What is the optimal ratio of omega6 : omega3?
3:01
What are the benefits of omega 6’s?
only good for substitution for saturated fat
What are the benefits of omega9s?
good for substitution for saturated fat
What is an omega9?
oleic acid
What are the sources of omega3s?
1) fish (best), 2) fish oils; 3) plant sources
What is the recommended intake of fish per week?
two 3 oz servings q week
Why are fish the best sources of omega3s?
natural TGs and other nutrients
What fish should be avoided?
1) white tuna (Hg); 2) farmed salmon (PCBs)
What are the 3 general forms of omega3s in fish oils?
natural TGs, ethyl esters, re-esterified TGs
Which form of omega3 is best absorbed?
natural
What are the types of fish oils in supplements?
algal, krill, calamari
considerations for algal oil?
more DHA, expensive, low in contaminants, good for vegetarians
considerations for krill oil
no fishy taste, expensive, phospholipids increase F by stimulating bile
considerations for calamari oil
more DHA, low in contaminants
What are the plant sources of omega3s?
1) flaxseed, 2) walnuts, 3) green leafy veggies, 4) chia, 5) hemp oil, 6) black currant
For what conditions may flaxseed be PE?
ADHD, dry eye, adjunct for bipolar therapy
What fats are contained in plant sources?
more ALA and other polyunsaturated fats; little converted to DHA/EPA
How does ALA differ from EPA/DHA in terms of health benefit?
ALA doesn’t decrease CVD risk
Describe the content of ALA in flaxseed?
55%; most in the oil as opposed to the seed
What substances does the flaxseed seed contain as opposed to the oil?
phytoestrogens
What are the proposed benefits of phytoestrogens?
1) prevent cancer, 2) decrease cholesterol, 3) improve menopausal symptoms; 4) decrease BP
Describe the CV benefits of EPA/DHA.
1) hi-dose can decrease TGs if very high; 2) potential benefit if no fish intake and no CV meds
What do EPA/DHA NOT do regarding CVD?
benefit heart disease, MI, or stroke
What are general uses of EPA/DHA?
Arthritis (RA), cancer, age-related macular degneration, biopolar/psychosis; IE for Alzheimers
How is fish oil dosed?
300-500 mg/day of DHA/EPA with fatty meals
What is the FDA’s recommended limit on DHA/EPA?
3g/day (2 g/day from supplements)
What are the ADRs of DHA/EPA at > 3 mg/day?
1) anticoag interaction to increase bleeding; 2) burping; 3) diarrhea; 4) vitamin A/D toxicity
What are the ADRs of DHA/EPA at > 20 mg/day?
immunosuppression
What dose of EPA/DHA is needed to lower TGs?
1-6 g/day
Who may be allergic to fish oils?
those allergic to fish
How should EPA/DHA be stored?
away from light and heat (best in fridge - if cloudy, shake before use)
What fish sources are generally higher in mecury?
large, longer-lived fish (fish oils generally Hg-free)
What populations should be LIMITED to 6 oz of fish per week?
pregnant, nursing, young kid
What fish sources are generally higher in PCBs?
all fish have more than supplements
What did the 2013 SELECT trial find?
correlation to prostate cancer
What did the 2012 OPERA and 2013 FORWARD trials find?
no prevention of Afib
What are fish oil administration recommendation for kids?
1) flavor liquids with oil-based flavorings; 2) avoid cod liver oil (high in vit. A); 3) bedtime admin may increase tolerability
What omega3 has been added to infant formulas?
DHA
What are the proposed benefits of DHA in infants?
may benefit premature babies most - 1) accrues in brain, so cognitive; 2) found also in retina
