Saturday, November 12, 2005

Safety concerns of Omega-3 fatty acids

A)Source of Omega-3 fatty acids
(1) From marine fish--eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA),docosahexanoic acids (DHA)

(2) From plant origin,walnut,flaxseed,soyabean, canola.--alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
(3) Micro Algae,Crypthecodinmenters
(4) Stearidonic Acid (SDA,18:4w3)--found in hemp seed,blackcurrant seed oil

B) Safety issues of marine fish
(1) These fish may contain:
1.1 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)--can be reduced by removing the fats before cooking
1.2 Methylmercury, presents in larger predator fish and mammals. Pose a greater risk,as it is distributed throughout the body.
1.3) Dioxin,mercury and other marine pollutants.

C) Omega-3 fatty acids originated from plants are considered safer. Yet if they are taken with antihypertensive agents or medicines of anticoagulant nature, may result in serious complications.

No comments: