Natural Health Reviews

Fish Oil Supplementation is Recommended by the Medical Profession

For some time now, we have heard that it is wise to eat fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines at least 2-3 times weekly. These foods are a rich source of two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been scientifically proven to offer many health benefits.  The medical profession recommends daily supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, preferably in the form of fish oil supplements, because most people find it difficult to get enough of it in their diet by just eating fish that is rich in the omega-3s. This can be the case for several reasons.   For some, it may just be a simple dislike for omega-3 rich fish.   For others there is the concern that the health benefits from consuming omega-3 rich fish could be offset by the contaminants ingested, such as heavy metals, dioxins, or PCBs, by fish harvested from contaminated waters.  And lastly, there is the economic factor.  For many the cost of fresh fish just does not fit into their home budget.   

Health Benefits of Omega-3 Oils

The health benefits from consuming omega-3 fatty acids are many.  Some of the more common stated health benefits are:

• Improved cardiovascular health
• Brain wellness and brain health
• The prevention of cancer
• Weight loss and diabetes prevention
• Reduction of pain and inflammation
• Promotion of healthy skin
• Promotion of reproductive health and fetus development

The scientific research supporting the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids varies from one health condition to the next.  You may find a complete list of the health benefits at MayoClinic.com which also grades the scientific research supporting each use.   

Buy Quality

There are quite a few fish oil supplements available on the market today but, in my opinion, only a few are worth purchasing.  Settling on a brand can be difficult since there are so many choices and the prices fluctuate from cheap to very expensive.  Fish oil supplements have been part of my immediate family’s daily regimen for several years now.  During this time we have tried several brands before settling exclusively on Nordic Naturals. We like the Nordic Naturals primarily for two reasons: 1. the quality, and 2. it was recommended by my holistic MD.  They use only wild, fresh water fish in their supplements- no farm raised fish.  One of the biggest concerns for me with fish oil is its freshness and purity.  Nordic Naturals is a pharmaceutical grade fish oil in which each batch is third-party tested to ensure there is no detected levels of heavy metals, dioxins, or PCBs.  Their QA program is top notch!  Needless to say, it is no where near the cheapest option out there.  You will pay more for the product, but you will have to use more than the recommended dosage of the cheaper brands to obtain the health benefits that you are striving for.  Some of the cheaper manufacturers will make claims that their products also go through a process to remove heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs, but when you look at the fine print you will notice that they disclose some detection of dioxins and PCBs in the final product.  By using Nordic Naturals you and your family can rest assure that you are not ingesting contaminants, and any other “who knows what” unregulated ingredients.  

Our Testimonial

My husband’s reason for consuming fish oil is for cardiovascular support.  He unfortunately ended up with his family’s genetic disposition towards high cholesterol and triglycerides.  By incorporating a quality fish oil into his daily regimen, he is successfully keeping his LIPID numbers in line and avoiding having to take a statin drug.  I use fish oil for the preventative health benefits. Fish oil supplements did not enter into my daily regimen until I started using Nordic Naturals.  I have the same problem that many other people experience with fish oil- stomach upset.  If you have a sensitive stomach, fish oil can cause nausea and digestive upset to the point that you could care less how good it is for you- the experience is just too unpleasant.  With Nordic Naturals fish oil supplements I do not have any digestive problems.  I can take it with a meal or in-between meals and do just fine.  I have not tried it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, but that is because I find all supplements give me issues at that time of the day.   

My sister started supplementing with fish oil for her rheumatoid arthritis and has experienced unbelievable results.  Since she added fish oil to her daily regimen several months ago, her doctor has modified her treatment plan and she is no longer having to take designer drugs, i.e. Embrel.  Plus, her skin has improved immensely as well.  It is more vibrant and she does not experience the occasional adult acne flare-ups as she commonly did in the past.   

Nordic Naturals has several omega-3 formulas.  My family is currently using Ultimate Omega because my husband needs the higher dose of EPA for cardiovascular support.  Since Ultimate Omega is highly concentrated in EPA and DHA, I am experiencing all the health benefits on only 1 softgel per day.  Two Omega Ultimate softgels are packed with 650 mg. of EPA and 450 mg. of DHA.  We could use their OMEGA-3 formula and get the same potency, but my husband would have to take 4 instead of 2 softgels, and I would have to take 2 instead of 1 softgel per day which would offset any savings.  You can also get the Ultimate Omega with D3 or with CoQ10.  If you are supplementing with either of these two, you may want to consider using the Ultimate Omega-D3 or Ultimate Omega+CoQ10 to cut down on the number of pills you have to swallow each day.  I can not say enough good things about this company and its products- they are worth every penny!

You can get these supplements at Amazon.com by clicking on the product links below. Many of these products are carried by Amazon and are subject to their free shipping. By accessing Amazon with the product links below I will receive a small referral fee from Amazon through their affiliate program. You will not be charged any additional amount by Amazon for this referral fee.

Ultimate Omega - Quantity 60, 120 and 180

Ultimate Omega +Vit D3 and Ultimate Omega +CoQ10- Quantity 60