The joints are lubricated and the brain nourished with fish oils which makes its consumption vital to health. Healthy skin is encouraged through the neutralization of free radicals; moods are more balanced with fish oils. Norwegian fish oils made from fish caught off the coast of Norway, or farmed fish, although it is better when wild fish are used.

Both EPA and DHA are found in Norwegian oils along with other essential and omega-3 fatty acids. The initial levels of this omega-3 are lower than fish oils derived from other fish such as Tuna or Hoki. New Zealand fish oils are derived from the Hoki fish which makes it a better choice and more beneficial than other brands of fish oils. Strokes are prevented and the brain functions better with higher levels of DHA. Norwegian fish oils with higher levels of EPA in them will cost less than those with high concentrations of DHA.

Supplementing the diet with fish oils has been shown to have a positive effect on the joints, heart and brain function which can improve overall health to an extent. Pharmaceutical high grade fish oil is the purest and those with the highest DHA levels provide the most benefits. The best fish oils come from wild fish with naturally higher levels of omega’3’s in their systems.

Norwegian supplements also helps to maintain the LP and triglyceride levels in the body in addition to aiding in a healthy blood pressure. The joints are lubricated and the brain nourished with fish supplements. Healthy skin is encouraged through the neutralization of free radicals; moods are more balanced with fish oil.

Norwegian fish oil is made from fish caught off the coast of Norway, or farmed fish, although it is better when wild fish are used. The taste of this oil is better due the lemon flavor that prevents an aftertaste. It is recommended that you take one to two of the supplements daily in addition to a regular nutritional program. The supplements should be kept is a securely sealed bottle in a dry, cool place.

Both EPA and DHA are found in Norwegian fish oil along with other essential and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains vitamin E among its many ingredients. The initial levels of this omega-3 are lower than fish oils derived from other fish such as Tuna or Hoki. When fish are fed wild plankton the levels are higher which will help to achieve the full effect of the supplement.

When attempting to find a supplement of Norwegian fish oil it is important to look for one with high levels of DHA to get the medicinal benefits. Strokes are prevented and the brain functions better with higher levels of DHA. Norwegian oils with higher levels of EPA in them will cost less than those with high concentrations of DHA. New Zealand fish oil is considered to be more adequate when it comes to the levels of DHA and EPA; it is also considered to be purer than the Norwegian fish oil.

Pharmaceutical grade Norwegian fish oil is gotten when impurities such as lead and mercury are removed though molecular distillation. This means that the pure fish oil is all that left making it easier for the body to absorb. The majority of this fish oil is made from salmon.

Those prone to heart disease, stroke or other illness will find that including a daily supplement of Norwegian oil in the diet will improve their overall health. X-tend-life fish oil is the most beneficial of the fish oils available. When comparing X-tend life to Norwegian fish oil the benefits are obvious when it comes to preventing and reducing health problems.

There are lots of benefits of fish oil vitamins, it lowers your cholesterol level, cures your arthritis, rickets, and it develops the brain and eyes for babes great for lactating moms! It also increases memory. Studies show fish oil relieves you from some clinical symptoms of psoriasis. It protects you from heart and circulation problems as Omega 3 lowers cholesterol level, avoiding thrombosis effectively.

Fish oil vitamins allow smooth blood flow along your small blood vessels, which can actually get blocked by cholesterol. Have you ever seen a beef soup with large chunky white oil stuff? This is a good view of how cholesterol can block your arteries, and can give you a stroke or heart attack.

Studies from Purdue University by Dr. Watkins, shows how fish oil can delay bone weakening. He made an experiment among female rats, and removed their ovaries; estrogen level was cut! You see estrogen is a female hormone responsible for strengthening bones, and yes, wrinkles as well. He fed the rats with Omega 3 oils.

His research showed how the bones were delayed in weakening as compared to those rats without fish oils. It is noted that Omega 3 found in fish oil vitamins contains Vitamin D, which protects bones from disintegrating.

Fish oil vitamins also blocks the onset of xerophthalmia, an eye disease caused by Vitamin A deficiency. So most moms who are expecting a baby, is advised to have a sufficient amount of fish oils, to assure the full development of the eyes and brain of their child.

Another important disease prevented by fish oil is rheumatoid arthritis. Have you seen a person suffering from arthritis? Looking at it is already painful, as it deforms and inflames your fingers, and bloated knees.

Fish oil found from shark can prevent cervical cancer, however it has to be taken in moderation, as shark oil has a different chemical component as compared to salmon and trout.

Omega 3 from fish oil vitamins prevents lots of diseases, as it is backed up by serious research from all over the world like United States, Scandinavian Countries, and Great Britain.

How to Buy Fish Oil Vitamins in Tablets

Where do You Get Fish Oils with Omega 3?

Most fish oil containing Omega 3 are found in Sardines, Salmon, trout, herring, mackerel, milk fish, and tuna. Many scientists tried to experiment in building fish pens to make it sure, fish oils are clean and pure, as it can get contaminated by pollution. Studies show, fish breeds have the same fish oil rich Omega 3 content, as compared to their wild fish breed counterparts.

If you want to get a fresh Omega 3 content, it is advisable to eat cooked fish or buy fish oil vitamins.

Unfortunately, pollution can contaminate fishes, so most fish oil vitamins are manufactured from breeding grounds, specifically from countries like Great Britain, United States, and Scandinavian Countries. Toxins coming from polluted fishes are detrimental to your health, as it can attack your brain directly, and cause other dreadful diseases.

It is important when buying fish to know what part of the sea or fish breeding ground it came from, or if you intend to buy fish oil vitamins, be sure to get it from a trusted source. Too much pickling and smoking of fish can be dangerous, as it produces other toxins when not eaten immediately.

Fishes Containing Omega 3 in Detail

Trout and Salmon, a delicious fish variety, a major source of fish oil vitamins, served in different parts of the world, because it melts in the mouth as you savor its freshness. It contains Vitamin A, D, and B12; it contains Omega 3 and proteins.

Tuna is available in many parts of the ocean. It can be eaten fresh mixed with apple, pineapple, cane or coconut vinegar, garlic, and onion. It is rich in Vitamin D, Omega 3, and Vitamin B12. Its eggs are also a delicacy especially when it is grilled. It is eaten with Kikkoman sauce with squeezed calamansi & lemon.

Most Tuna breeding grounds are monitored by scientists as old Tuna fishes can accumulate large amounts of toxins from their bodies, like mercury, lead, and cadmium.

Sardines are very rich in Omega 3 fish oil vitamins, as it also contains protein, zinc, and iron. It is by and large the most affordable fish all over the world, and it is really tasty.

Herring is high powered with Omega 3, but it gets spoiled immediately. It is best to steam, fry, and grill as soon you get it from the market.

Lastly, Mackerels are fishes fully charged with Vitamin D, Omega 3 fatty fish oil vitamins and lots of selenium. However, fat deposits depend on the season you harvested the fishes. They have lesser oils when they populate during sunny season or what you call “spawning.”

Since you arrived at this webpage, you probably have some notion that not all fish oil supplements are created equal and you’re right.

So, how do you find the best fish oil supplement?

After years of extensive research, we here at Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre would like to share with you what we discovered in our quest for high quality fish oil supplements. However, before we delve into tips on selecting high-quality fish oil supplements, we would like to provide you with information on some things to keep in mind:

Most of the omega 3 fish oils come from a mixture of all types of fish oil sourced from around the world, mostly third world countries. This fish is then turned into fish meal and the oil is extracted. This oil is then sent off to refineries for further processing. Now, it’s important to note that by the time fish oil reaches its final destination, which is most often Europe or the U.S. it usually requires retreating.

To further explain, fish oil is extremely sensitive, therefore, it goes rancid rather quickly. So, during this time of handling, processing, and reaching its final destination, the delicate fish oil is in a rapid state of decay. Ideally, this time should be minimal, but oftentimes it is not.

Moreover, the ocean waters of many parts of the world are highly contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury, dioxin, and PCB, which means the oil of the fish is contaminated.

Another consideration …

Many fish supplements on the market today contain low levels of DHA, which is the most important component.

Now, without further adieu, let’s provide you with our recommended tips on selecting the best fish oil supplement.

Tips on Selecting the Best Fish Oil Supplement

1. The product should be produced at pharmaceutical GMP compliant facilities.

These facilities follow the exact same rigorous standards that pharmaceutical prescription medications must adhere to, which ensures stringent requirements.

Why is this so important?

This is important because dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the U.S. and, as such, manufacturers do not have to prove the safety, effectiveness, or even the true content of their products.

Although supplements should be labeled properly, many aren’t, so what’s stated on the label may not be in the container. The potency or purity may be inconsistent or misrepresented. Some products tested also contained very harmful contaminates!

2. Select a fish oil supplement that has been molecularly distilled and in ester form.

What is molecularly distilled? In short, it means that the oils are placed in scientific instruments that spin around at extreme high speeds and separates the toxic metals from the fish oils, thus providing you with a healthy pure fish oil supplement.

What is ester form? The body needs to convert fish oil to an ester for it to be usable. More specifically, most fish oil supplements are in a triglyceride form, which means that the body has to convert this triglyceride compound into an ester before it can be used. Therefore, by selecting a product where the compound is already in an ester form you are providing the body with less work to do, enabling it to concentrate on actually using the benefits of fish oil.

3. Select a pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement that is harvested from pristine natural waters since it would be the least likely to be contaminated.

4. Select a pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement derived near the harvest to ensure freshness and consists of only one fish source. In addition, it should be processed and encapsulated by one company.

Why?

To avoid all of the possible contamination associated with excessive handling, and if you want the best fish oil supplement for consistent quality only a single fish species should be used in the product.

5. Ensure your pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement has a high concentration of DHA, which scientist believes to be the most beneficial component of fish oil.

We have found a pure pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled fish oil product in ester form that is naturally high in DHA. The fish oil is derived from Hoki, a deep sea fish naturally high in DHA and unique to the clean unpolluted waters of New Zealand. In addition, the manufactures purification facility is close to the port where the fish is landed … only minutes away. Another great part to this product is that there are no additives, as the harvesting, processing and encapsulation is all done by the same health company. In short, we believe it is the very best fish oil supplement on the market to date, which is why we personally take it ourselves.

As I have researched the connection between fish and cholesterol, I have come to realize that the benefits of fish oil go far beyond just heart health. Increasing the amount of fish that we consume and using a pharmaceutical grade fish oil will improve how well our brain functions, help with joint pain, and add a quality appearance to our skin. At the same time I have discovered that not everything you read about fish oil is true.

Fish Oil Myths – Benefits of Fish Oil that Don’t Exist

Myth #1 – Fish oil lowers cholesterol.

While many people believe one of the benefits of fish oil to be lowering cholesterol, fish oil studies have proven to the contrary. The connection between fish and cholesterol is primarily seen in it’s effect on triglyceride levels.

Myth #2 – Fish oil alone will help you lose weight.

If your looking for the easy way to lose weight, this is not it. Even a pharmaceutical grade fish oil will not aid in weight loss without exercise. However, it does appear that one of the benefits of fish oil is that it helps accelerate the rate of weight loss when combined with exercise. This is probably due to the fact that fish oil improves blood circulation and therefore helps the muscles work more efficiently during exercise.

Myth #3- Fish oil helps diabetics control blood sugar levels.

Fish oil has proven to be ineffective for glycemic control in diabetes patients. However it may be beneficial for diabetics in that it does help lower triglyceride levels.

Fish Oil Truths – Benefits of Fish Oil that are Real

Truth #1 – Fish oil lowers triglycerides.

While there may not be a strong direct relationship between fish and cholesterol, it is a well established fact that fish oil lowers triglycerides. The American Heart Association agrees. Heart Researchers agree. Taking fish oil supplements does lower triglycerides. And while it lowers your triglycerides, it will also be improving your overall health.

Truth #2 -Fish oil decreases the chances of death due to heart disease.

Many studies have been performed that showed a substantial decrease in the number of deaths among those with heart disease when taking fish oil. This is not due to the connection between fish and cholesterol. The American Heart Association state that studies show that taking between .5 and 1.8 g. per day of DHA + EPA (the fatty acids in fish oil) either by eating fish or fish oil supplements “significantly reduces deaths from heart disease and all causes”.

Truth #3 – Fish oil helps improve blood circulation.

With improved blood circulation, your body will begin to work more efficiently. This will lead to improved physical and mental health. Many people will find themselves more active and able to lose weight easier.

In addition to these benefits of fish oil, there are many more reasons to make fish oil a part of your daily routine. There is ongoing research into the effect fish oil has on:

1. Eye issues such as age-related macular degeneration.
2. Hardening of the arteries
3. ADHD
4. Bipolar Disorder
5. Various Cancers
6. Learning Disabilities
7. Epilepsy
8. Depression
9. Lupus
10. Prostate Health
11. Skin Disorders
12. Stroke prevention

This is only a partial list of the potential benefits of fish oil. As you can see the list is quite impressive.

There you have it. Not everything you hear about the benefits of fish oil is true. The fish and cholesterol connection does not exist. Nevertheless, fish oil will be beneficial to your health in many ways. Each year there comes to light new ways that eating fish and taking fish oil supplements will improve the quality of your life.

There are some products that claim to be effective fish oil supplements and are manufactured from deep sea fish oil. But, as a consumer, you deserve to know whether deep sea fish oil is really the best source of fish oils.

Deep sea fish are fish that live in the deepest sections of the ocean. However, deep sea fish are not generally used in the manufacture of fish oil supplements. There are many reasons why.

The main reason is that deep sea fish don’t provide enough oil. Fact is, the closer to the surface the fish live, the more oil they can provide. Ideally, fish sources for fish oil should also meet certain standards.

The diet, life span, and reproduction process of fish species as well as the water temperature affect the levels, quality, and concentration of the DHA and EPA they provide.

First, the best fish for fish supplement production should have access to a lot of nutrients, so they can be sources of healthy elements.

Second, the life span of fish species also matters.

Waters all over the world are getting contaminated. The longer a fish lives, the more exposed it will be to a lot of contaminants and toxic substances. That’s why fish with shorter life spans are better and safer sources of fish oils.

Third, fish that reproduce rapidly are more suitable sources of Omega-3, primarily because manufacture of fish oil supplements is rampant. If fish that reproduce fast are used, fish oil supplement production will not affect the environment negatively.

The temperature and the environment in the deepest parts of the ocean are also not conducive for good fish oil sources.

Obviously, deep sea fish don’t meet these standards, so they are not the best sources of fish oils.

The best sources are fish that live in mid-waters.

These are fish species with high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA.

One type of mid-water fish that is the best and most recommended source of fish oil is the Hoki fish.

The Hoki fish can be found in the incomparably clean and pure waters of New Zealand’s southern seas. It is known as New Zealand’s largest and most important marine product. Hoki fish is the most-liked source of fish oil for many reasons. Hoki fish lives in pristine waters, which makes them safe and uncontaminated. They also meet the standards of what a good source of fish oil should be. And the fish oil supplements produced from Hoki fish are the amongst the best in the market.

They overcome the issues about deep sea fish oil and provide the highest levels of DHA and EPA.

These type of fish oil supplements can give you the optimum range of health benefits without having to use those manufactured from deep sea fish oil.

Fortunately, side effects are rare and when taken in the correct dosage most people experience little if any side effects at all, but as with any supplement, there is always the possibility of experiencing some symptoms and fish oil is no different. So what should we be looking out for?

Fishy burps

By far the most common side effects reported are fishy burps, fishy breath or a fishy aftertaste in the mouth. This is completely harmless albeit slightly unpleasant but can largely be avoided by keeping your fish oil in the fridge and taking the fish oil along with food.

Stomach upsets

Some people have experienced other gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhoea, indigestion, abdominal bloating, heartburn, mild stomach cramps and perhaps slight feelings of nausea but again, these side effects can be reduced or eliminated by taking the fish oil along with meals and by taking a lower dose to begin with and then gradually increasing it over a few weeks.

Increased risk of bleeding

The fatty acids in fish oil have an anticoagulant (blood thinning) effect which in most cases is a good thing, however, when fish oil is taken in particularly large doses or alongside other blood thinning agents, there is an increased risk of bleeding which can take the form of easy bruising or nosebleeds or longer bleeding times. Serious side effects are extremely rare but it is important that anyone who is already taking Aspirin, Warfarin (also known under the brand names Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan and Waran) or any other blood thinning drugs should discuss the potential risks with their doctor before taking any fish oil supplements.

Mercury poisoning

A major worry with eating fresh fish is the amount of mercury and other toxins they can contain. Sadly, our seas are polluted and consequently so are our fish and so any toxins in the fish can also find their way into fish oil supplements unless the fish oil has had these contaminants removed. Pharmaceutical grade fish oil is an informal term that has been applied to fish oil that has been through processes such as molecular distillation and sophisticated filtering systems where the mercury and other undesirable elements in the fish oil are removed leaving purified and concentrated fish oil and so this risk is not relevant for high grade fish oils. A major advantage in buying a good quality or pharmaceutical grade fish oil is that it can be concentrated to contain very high levels of the most important fatty acids such as Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It also means you can take one or two capsules a day to get the same effect of maybe five or six capsules of lower or standard grade fish oils.

Other potential side effects

If the fish oil supplement contains vitamin A then there is an increased risk of vitamin A toxicity. Cod liver oil for example, is produced from the liver of fish where vitamin A is stored and can contain potentially high levels of Vitamin A so it is best avoided.

Fish oil can also go rancid very quickly and as Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant it is added to some fish oils to keep them fresh. There have been some studies indicating that taking fish oil can increase the need for antioxidants so it is advisable to look for fish oil that has vitamin E added.

Other studies have suggested that fish oil might increase levels of low density lipoprotein (LDP) or bad cholesterol, but this depends on the dosage.

There have been some indications that fish oil can have a short term effect on blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes so anyone with diabetes should seek the advice of their doctor before taking fish oil supplements.

Conclusion

In general, the side effects from fish oil are few and far between if any at all and serious side effects are in fact extremely rare whereas the health benefits to be gained from taking fish oil supplements are enormous.

If you are on existing medication or have other health problems or are worried about the possibility of side effects then a chat with your doctor before taking fish oil will put your mind at ease.

Finally, if you take the correct dose, keep your fish oil in the fridge and take your supplements at mealtimes then the chances are the only effect you will feel is a greater sense of wellbeing and perhaps a lighter mood.

When you are looking for a fish oil product to use, your first concern is to make sure you know a little about fish oils, and also the options you have, and then to take action on choosing the highest quality fish oil.

Because of pollution in ocean waters, many of the fish we consume are contaminated with metals, and various other toxins, such as mercury. This is true also for the actual fish oil unless certain procedures are taking to remove such toxins.

This is why consumers need to look for fish oil that has undergone molecular distillation. This process separates the harmful toxins from the actual oil, and then the toxins are completely removed, and what you have left is pure fish oil. You don’t end up with any contaminants so you’re getting a much better quality fish oil.

The best fish oils on the market are known as pharmaceutical grade fish oil, so if you do choice to buy a fish oil supplement, make sure it is this kind.

On top of this, the fish oil benefits vary from source to another, and not all sources are made in the same way. This is because the two important types of omega 3 are called DHA and EPA which are the fatty acids of the fish oil. Unfortunately, not every type of fish is equally high in DHA or EPA.

A fish we have come across that is very high in DHA and EPA is known as the Hoki fish and it is found in the pristine source of New Zealand on the many pristine coasts.

The fish oil capsules we personally use here at nutritional-supplement-articles are pharmaceutical grade hoki fish oil.

We’ve been using them for the past couple of years now with excellent health results. We can’t recommend them highly enough for people who want the highest quality fish oil.

So to summarize what consumers should follow when buying a fish oil supplement is as follows:

If you are interested in taking a fish oil supplement, we believe it is important you consider two important factors. Only buy fish oil supplements that have been molecularly distilled. This is very important because, in today’s world, most fish oil supplements are contaminated with toxins. A major toxin being mercury. This is largely due to the pollution in the oceans waters. Molecular distillation is a process that removes these toxins from the fish oil. This is a complicated but very effective method that removes the fish oil of all toxins.

Only purchase a fish oil product with high high levels of DHA and EPA. Many fish oils are not equally high in DHA and EPA.

What to look for in a Fish Oil

1. Purity

The first consideration is purity. Unfortunately the world’s oceans are heavily polluted and many fish are contaminated with toxic waste products particularly heavy metals such as mercury.

Good quality fish oils will be guaranteed free of all environmental pollutants and heavy metals.

There are many many very inexpensive fish oils available from discount stores and supermarkets. Unfortunately these are low quality fish oils and are not guaranteed free of these toxins. We would love for someone to sell 180 x 1000mg capsules of quality Omega 3 fish oil for £3 and if anyone can find any please email us or write a review for us!

2. Purity again!

Another factor in purity is how much of the fish oil is actually Omega 3 fish oil. A low proportion of Omega 3 Oils generally means a poor quality oil.

A good quality oil generally can be expected to contain at least 50-70% omega 3 oils. So for a 1000mg capsule of fish oil you should expect at least 500-700mg or omega 3 oils.

Another small factor is amount of saturated fat content. Saturated fat can be bad for the heart and circulation. Good quality fish oils will have zero or close to zero saturated fats.

3. Additives

Additives can be seen as bad or good depending on your point of view. In general it is probably better to take supplements with no additives such as artificial preservatives, colourings, flavourings and sweeteners.

Artificial additives could be counterproductive and have possible links to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity themselves.

However some people may find flavoured oils and capsules more pleasant to take and children particularly may favor them. Try to find one with natural additives such as flavourings if this is the case.

Some capsules may rarely contain wheat, dairy, starch or yeast so be aware if you are allergic to any of these things.

Additives are often a sign of poor quality fish oil though. Good quality oil has practically no fishy taste anyway.

4. Amount of DHA and EPA

The relative proportions of DHA and EPA omega 3 fatty acids.

Of the 50-70% of the fish oil that is omega 3 oil almost all of it should be either EPA or DHA.

The most common type of oil used to treat disorders such as ADHD and depression is omega 3 oil that contains more EPA than DHA. However the research is very inconclusive and many people claim that oil which is higher or almost completely DHA is very effective too.

It is probably best to start with an oil that has EPA and DHA in a proportion of between 3:2 and 3:1 EPA to DHA ratio. A ratio of 2:1 is also pretty common and a good choice.

An example breakdown of a 2:1 ratio capsule would be:

• Total fish oil: 1000mg
• Total omega 3 oil: 620mg
• Total EPA: 400mg
• Total DHA: 200mg

Many companies are now offering fish oils containing omega 3 oils that are almost entirely EPA with very little DHA. There is very little evidence that these are better although they may help some people more than others. DHA is certainly vitally important for growing infants and children. 8% of the human brain is actually made out of DHA!

An important thing to note is that the nutritional information given above and found on the labeling of different Omega 3 products probably doesn’t tell the whole story. One brand of fish oil may ‘work for you’ while another may not even if the nutritional information given with the two products is identical or almost identical – I know this from personal experience.

It seems likely that there are things about fish oil which we don’t understand. The most important thing is to experiment and find an Omega 3 supplement which works for you. If you are thinking of using fish oil to treat disorders such as depression or ADHD, it is a good idea to try a range of products separately over a number of weeks. The positive effects of fish oil on these disorders can often be seen within the first few days of use so a week or two is an adequate trial period for a fish oil. Sometimes people feel very pronounced positive effects within hours if high doses (e.g. 4-8 grams) are taken.

Don’t start taking a very high dose to begin with though because it could make you feel sick. Also avoid taking high doses if you are going into hospital for an operation because fish oils can thin the blood.

5. Blended/Mixed Oils

Some companies sell blends of fish oils along with plant oils such as Evening Primrose and Starflower Oil. These provide a type of fatty acid called GLA. There is some evidence that this can help with disorders such as ADHD and depression.

Omega oils blended in this way are often sold as ‘Omega 3,6,9′. Some have proprietary names such as the heavily advertised (and prohibitively expensive) ‘Eye-Q’ product produced by Equazen.

6. Liquid or Capsules

You can buy Omega 3 fish oil in liquid form or capsules. The same goes for flax seed oil, evening primrose and starflower oil. The capsules can be hard to swallow especially the larger 1000mg ones. Some manufacturers make smaller capsules which can be chewed before you swallow them but these tend to contain artificial sweeteners and flavours.

Buying omega oils as a liquid is a good idea for many people if they have problems with the capsules. It can be easier to persuade children to take the liquid form on a spoon or it can be mixed with drinks or food. Bottles of liquid fish oil require refrigeration after opening.

What is Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil?

‘Pharmaceutical Grade’ doesn’t really mean anything specific. Currently, it generally refers to high quality, high strength, high purity fish oils. Do not buy something on the strength of it claiming to be ‘Pharmaceutical Grade’ though as the term could easily start being misused.

Depression is a serious medical condition that an estimated 19 million people suffer from on a yearly basis. A large number of individuals do not seek treatment for a depressive condition; however, such a condition often requires crucial attention in order to prevent the condition from worsening or other conditions from developing. Generally, those that suffer from this condition have a lack of energy or motivation, they lose interest in activities that were once enjoyed, have a loss of appetite, or become easily frustrated and irritable, which often interferes with daily life–work, family, and socialization. However, such a condition has become widely recognized and accepted over the years with the over-whelming number of people–children and adults alike–that suffer from depression.

Depression is not a condition to be ashamed of, and is an understandably accepted occurrence in today’s society. With mild, moderate, and even severe anxiety, there are all natural treatment options available–such as the use of fish oils. When most people seek treatment for depression they are initially prescribed medication from their physician in the form of a pill or are referred to a therapist for further evaluation of the condition. Although these anti-depressant medicines may work, there have been several dangerous side-effects linked with anti-depressant medications and the individuals that suffer from depression and take these medications on a regular basis.

If these side-effects occur, it could further hinder those that take the prescribed medications. In more severe cases, there have even been anti-depressant medications that have been linked to suicide or suicidal thoughts and tendencies. However, there is an all natural, side-effect free way to help fight depression and gain your life back. It has been scientifically proven that the use of fish oils is linked with increased serotonin levels in the body, which directly help ease symptoms of depression. Additionally, a daily intake of fish oil greatly helps to reduce, or even cure, a depressive condition.

What Causes Depression?

Depression is caused by physical changes in the brain and an imbalance of chemicals–neurotransmitters–that carry the brain signals to your nerves. Specifically, low serotonin levels in the brain are responsible for depressive changes. There is not one particular cause that triggers depression, and it usually develops from exposure to several different factors together. Such as genetics, which means the condition very well could have been passed on from a parent or from past generations. If you are aware of relatives that have suffered from depressive episodes or long term depression, the odds of developing the condition yourself automatically increase.

Traumatic events and stress are also substantial causes of depression. In today’s economy, people are stricken with financial woes and fears of where their next paycheck may come from or how to put dinner on the table. Also, those that suffer the loss of a loved one, or a person carrying a traumatic experience, such as an assault, with them on a daily basis also commonly battle depression. Most people often think individuals with low self-esteem already suffer from depression, and simply have low self-esteem because they are depressed. On the contrary, those that lack self-confidence or self-esteem are often found to be pessimistic people by nature, and eventually exhibit depressive symptoms at some point in their lives after dealing with low self-esteem issues for a substantial period of time. Individuals that are products of a sexually, physically, or emotionally abusive environment, or an environment with constant conflicts, such as an impending divorce, often develop a case of depression.

The consumption of certain medications have also been linked to cases of depression. It has been found that many individuals that suffer from high blood pressure and take medication to help control such conditions, such as beta blockers or reserpine, often develop depression because of the interference in the transmission of the neurotransmitters in the brain. Additionally, there are also individuals that suffer from other physical and medical conditions–such as cancer, HIV and AIDS, or even heart failure–that struggle to come to grips with the fact that they may have a decreased or limited amount of time with family and friends, and are unable to accomplish all of their desires before leaving everyone and everything behind them. With depression, it has been established that other conditions often accompany depression. These other conditions include, but are not limited to, anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders, as well as substance abuse in order to acquire a small level of relief from such depression conditions. With the daily intake of fish oils, however, the odds of developing depression or additional condition that coincide with depression greatly decrease or become eliminated all together.

Why Use Fish Oils to Treat Depression?

There have been many beneficial scientific studies, which have shown that increased levels of omega-3 rich fish oils greatly decrease the symptoms of depression, and possibly even cure depression all together. In 1993, a psychiatrist from Harvard’s McLean Hospital stumbled across the link between omega-3 fatty acids and fish oils to decrease or eliminate symptoms of depression while researching for a new treatment to be used against manic depressive disorder, otherwise known as bi-polar disorder. In 1998, the first study results were released and published in the ‘Journal of Affective Disorders’, stating that individuals with lower than average levels of omega-3 fatty acids–found abundantly in fish oils–in their red blood cell membranes were prone to develop a depression condition or already suffer from a depressive disorder.

An article following in 1999 by a group of medical doctors was published in the ‘Archives of General Psychiatry’, declared results they found in a controlled study group of 30 severely depressed individuals, which received omega-3 fatty acids via fish oils. More than 60 percent of individuals in the controlled group that received a mere 10 grams of the omega-3 rich fish oils marked a vast improvement when the 10 grams of fish oils were taken on a daily basis for a 4 month period. In other countries with higher fish consumption, due to fish being the main delicacy, it has also been found that those societies in whole have tremendously lower rates of depression overall, which also directly enables scientists to further accredit their study results. Also, in 2007 a study was conducted that included 10 clinical trials of individuals suffering from varying levels of depression, which studied the effects of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils, and the correlation between increased levels of fish oils and depression.

The conclusion of the studies found that fish oils, which are polyunsaturated fats that can not be produced by the body naturally and are derived mainly from the consumption of sea foods, had a significant impact on decreasing depression symptoms and essentially the fish oils acted as an anti-depressant. Scientists and researchers alike are pushing for the natural, side-effect free fish oils to be used more widely in order to help treat or cure depression, which in turn will help alleviate other conditions that are often developed due to depressive conditions. Given the largely positive results from the years of research, it is widely concluded that the use of fish oils is imperative to proper bodily functions and the reduction or complete elimination of depression symptoms.

How Fish Oils Decrease Depression

Biochemical researchers point out that cell membranes are all partially made up of omega-3 fatty acids, meaning the brain is made up of these omega-3 fatty acids, and the walls of neurons are also made up of the omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oils. As a matter of fact, researchers from Harvard’s McLean Hospital say that most of the brain’s dry weight is made up from fat. Fish oils contain essential fatty acids that are not found in our bodies naturally, and our bodies only receive the beneficial fish oils through our diets. Fish oils cannot be manufactured or synthetically created–it must be ingested from a natural source or a source created with the natural fish oil ingredients.

If individuals increased their daily intake of the omega-3 fatty acids by consuming more essential omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oils–by taking pill supplements or adding fish to their diet 2 or 3 times per week–it would be made simpler for serotonin–the chemical that carries messages from one brain cell to another–to pass through cell membranes, which would regulate bodily functions and minimize or eliminate symptoms of depression conditions. Since omega-3 fatty acids–found in fish oils–directly affect serotonin levels in the brain, as well as change the way our bodies function, the use of fish oils is strongly recommended, and there have even been talks of prescribing the omega-3 rich fish oils along with medications such as Prozac.

What Causes Low Levels of Omega-3 and Serotonin?

Researchers have found through multiple studies over the years that, within the last several decades, changes in dietary habits–such as ridding diets of saturated fats and cholesterol, found in red meats or eggs–are contributors to increasing low levels of the omega-3 fatty acids found in the body because the items cut from daily diets are rich sources of the omega-3 fatty acids. In today’s society, and with the many medial advancements and findings on cholesterol and hyper tension, doctors are increasingly counseling their patients to remove or reduce the amount of foods that once supplied them with the proper levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which were keeping serotonin levels in check.

In order to alleviate high cholesterol or hyper tension, dietary changes may need to take place under the guidance of a physician, however, proper supplementation of the omega-3 fatty acids–found in fish oils–must also occur to retain proper levels of serotonin in order to prevent depressive disorders, mood swings, as well as the development of anxiety disorders. It is especially common in individuals that do not eat sea food, or are allergic to sea foods, to have lower than average levels of the essential omega-3 fatty acids in their diets. If consuming fish is a difficult task, it is recommended to find supplementation elsewhere, such as adding fish oil supplements via pill form in order to prevent dangerously low levels of serotonin, which may create a depression condition.

Forms of Beneficial Fish Oil Supplements

There are several different forms of fish oils that can be taken in order to receive the proper levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which keep your serotonin levels and depressive condition under control, and return balance back to your body. Sometimes, adding a real piece of fish to your daily diet will help start to restore the proper amount of omega-3 to your diet through the essential fish oils. However, not all fish are created equal and the amount of Omega 3 in each fish varies. It is also important to remember that consuming too much fish can lead to mercury poisoning due to toxins absorbed from our polluted oceans by the fish’s skin.

To protect you from this, many health professionals advise getting the recommended dose of Omega 3 through ultra refined ultra high dose fish oil supplements. Companies selling these supplements filter out the impurities from the fish oil so people taking the capsules are ingesting only the beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids and not harmful toxins such as mercury, lead, PCBs and other contaminants. Such supplements can be purchased for low or moderate costs online, at local vitamin stores, department stores, or health food stores. Since fish oils cannot be manufactured or synthetically created, all of the fish oil supplements available are made with natural fish oil ingredients.

ADHD is a condition that inhibits focus and concentration for even the slightest mental activity. Children are especially sensitive to the disorder because it effects their development and learning. Inability to focus greatly retards learning. The lack of focus means that distraction is always present, even for adults. Distraction leads to impulsive behavior which in turn creates additional problems especially in a school environment. Hyperactivity can also be a factor. The combination of all these traits in one person complicates that person’s ability to learn and socialize. As the individual ages, ADHD characteristics can manifest in normal developmental challenges that come with puberty and adult relationships. ADHD in effect becomes even more difficult to diagnose as well as treat. For all these reasons ADHD has received considerable attention in the psychiatric community for a number of years resulting in effective courses of treatments. Treatments regimes are normally a combination of medication and psychotherapy that vary with each individual. Treatment often depends on other issues that may complicate diagnosis and influence the choice of therapies and medications.

Common conditions that include alongside ADHD are learning disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder. Learning disabilities come from imperfect understanding or imperfect reception of information that creates learning obstacles by affecting understanding. A child will comprehend something incorrectly and then apply that lesson in the learning process. This corruption degrades proper education by undermining learning. Many ADHD patients demonstrate high intelligence, but their ability to properly process information works against this inherent intelligence. Teachers not trained to deal with these issues cannot identify ADHD soon enough or react to it well enough to mitigate damage and maintain order in the classroom.

Oppositional defiance disorder is manifest with stubbornness and defiance even with adults. Patients exhibit a great deal of resistance to authority when it goes against their desires. This creates disciplinary situations in school and at home that put the recipient in jeopardy of attending school or other personal activities. In adults, this constant source of friction affects employment stability.

Conduct disorder includes acting out, lying, stealing or bullying. The obvious affront to the rules of order, place these patients in direct confrontation with rules as well as the law and in opposition with the best interests of other students or individuals. Expulsion from school is a common remedy when school authorities have exhausted other options to maintain the balance of a single student’s interests and the rest of the student body. This negative impact alone has tremendous social implications in later life.

Any of these conditions that are carried into adulthood create serious relationship issues that affect both family life and employment. The inability to learn coupled with erratic, impulsive behavior and a lack of concentration causes accidents and poor performance that makes keeping a job difficult. Personal relationships suffer from an apparent inability to balance responsibilities. Marriages often fail and parenting also suffers and perhaps propagates the issues into another generation. Further serious, accompanying disorders can include depression and other bipolar disorders with obvious serious implications, and even Tourette syndrome. Some of these disorders come from the stress and mental inadequacies of the disorder. Others come from the treatments themselves, especially the medications.

ADHD comes in three major classes: predominantly hyperactive- impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and a combination of the other two. The hyperactive-impulsive type is most disruptive to a class of students or even within the home. The ADHD patient becomes the object of attention which disrupts the good order required in a functional situation. The inattentive class is less dangerous to the social fabric, but more dangerous to the individual who does not draw attention to himself and may well be overlooked. The combination is most devastating because the individual multiplies his challenges at least twofold. The diagnosis of the extent of the disorder is an important factor in treating the disorder.

The personal, social, and psychological characteristics of the individual involved is vitally important in determining the particular treatment provided which underlines the requirements that treatment be constantly and consistently monitored by a physician. ADHD can be caused by physical, environmental and social factors that are different in every case. Medications are a major part of most treatment regimes. Currently in the United States there are more than 17 approved drugs and medications for use with ADHD cases. The strength and effects must be considered on an individual basis. Most of the medications are stimulants such as the familiar Ritalin. In some cases anti-depressants, especially in adults, are required to lessen the impact of the disorder. Needless to say, the use of these medications can have inconvenient side effects.

The more common side effects of current medications include loss of appetite, loss of sleep, and more rarely, tics or repetitive movements that appear suddenly as sounds or movements. More serious side effects include a lack of emotion and even hallucinations and suicide. ADHD is a mental issue. The brain is the center of attention in any treatment regime which explains the wide range of symptoms and complications.

Impact of Fish Oil on ADHD

ADHD has been linked to a number of social ills including academic failure, school exclusion, truancy and drug abuse, dysfunctional family relationships, and crime. In many of these cases the development of treatments has seen progress in psychotherapy and medications. One the most significant developments has been the use of nutritional options or supplements in normal treatment regimes. One of the most effective supplements is fish oil, specifically, omega 3 fatty acids.

Numerous school studies have indicated that regular doses of fish oil enhance concentration, lowers hyperactivity, and improves learning. One significant test in England resulted in the 66% reduction of severe ADHD and impulsive behavior along with a 72% reduction in attention disorders. Not only did test scores improve but the intervention opened a door to preventing disciplinary expulsions and exclusions for many students. This is a particularly sensitive issue in the United Kingdom that has experienced a 19% increase in expulsions in the last few years.
In another test, teenagers in another United Kingdom district demonstrated a 7% improvement in test scores of behaviorally challenged students after only 12 weeks of treatment with fish oils. Improvements in reading tests were especially pronounced. Girls were even more affected by the treatment than boys.
In studies of prison populations, violent behavior was significantly reduced. In Singapore, use of fish oil reduced violent behavior in the prison population by 33%. These studies indicated that more research should be made to determine the true causes of the effectiveness and the effects of the fish oil on treatment regimes and the use of other less natural medications.

The Magic of Fish Oil

Fish oil contains two fatty acids that are essential to brain development. In short, the absence or shortage of these two acids does not allow the brain to function properly. The standard American diet does not include adequate amounts of these acids. This may well account for the increasing incidence of ADHD in the population. These two omega 3 acids are a part of a group of long chain acids that are distinguished from short chain omega 3 acids found sources other than fish. The distinction must be explained in terms of human metabolism.

Fatty acids are biochemically important to metabolism and health in critical functions of the body. The body uses the nutrients in our food to produce the various building blocks that make us who we are. Metabolism requires certain substances to react in certain pathways and create chemical systems that help run our bodily functions. The brain is critical in many of these tasks especially the mental components dealing with intelligence, emotion and control. Sometime the body runs out of materials. This is the case with ADHD.

The two acids, DHA (ducosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are very important for the proper function of the heart, nervous system, kidney, liver, and brain. DHA is especially important as a constituent of cell membranes in the brain. In ADHD patients, the density of the cell membranes and the brain in areas controlling attention are especially less than normal brains. The long chain fatty acids DHA and EPA provide the substance materials for these critical areas. Providing them directly is the easier and natural process. However, diet sometime shorts the process. Short chain omega 3 acids available in non-fish sources can be converted to DHA and EPA but this is an additional and statistically inefficient biochemical process. It is much simpler for an individual to supplement his diet through the direct inclusion of fish in the diet or omega 3 fish oil supplements.

Increased consumption of fish is good, but complicated. Certain fish are better sources of DHA and EPA than others which may limit the direct dietary approach. Some fish have little of these acids in their oils at all. Fresh fish are also more likely to be contaminated with heavy metals. These impurities are health hazards in themselves and will negate the positive impact of the increased fish oil. The best options for adequate concentrations of fish oil are found in supplements.

Supplements will provide purified fish oils. This means that the oil is made from the proper fish and cleansed of its impurities. The oil is often enhanced with vitamins that would normally be depleted by excessive use if fish oils and this becomes another attraction for the oil itself. The manufacturing process allows a strictly supervised process that provides superior products in large quantities and lower prices. This gives supplements an economic appeal when compared to standard medications for ADHD. In short, manufactured supplements give all the benefits of fish oil without the dangers.

The Benefits of Fish Oil

In numerous tests, fish oil has contributed to alleviation of ADHD symptoms in a benign manner. The alleviation is benign in the sense that the fish oil regimes reduce the requirements for some of stimulants and anti-depressants that create such strong side effects. The use of fish oils facilitate diagnosis and treatment by simplifying the symptoms to be dealt with. Taken properly, fish oils eliminate serious side effects like depression, anxiety and suicide while reducing the loss of sleep and appetite. Good rest and good eating keep an individual free from other complicating health issues that further complicate treatments. Medicines get in each other’s way. In special cases, consumers should consult a physician regarding dosage, but fish oil supplements do not require prescriptions and doctor monitoring. The fish oil is a natural dietary option that demonstrates significant results in relatively short time. And there are other important benefits.

Many of the social problems that result from ADHD are significantly reduced or eliminated. Conduct and behavior that would have had children excluded from school and or sent to jail are reduced significantly. These tests reinforce many other experiences that show fish oil’s positive effect on memory, concentration, and language skills.

In Sweden studies have shown that children aged 8-18 taking fish oils displayed 50% of less ADHD activity. These test also reinforced the test score improvements and effects on concentration and memory found in many other test. More and more doctors are recommending fish oils and see that it is more effective with ADHD than Ritalin. Some schools have reported the effects of fish oil as elevating scores by as much as two grade levels between students taking fish oil and those who do not. For the individual this success alleviates a large amount of the stress and frustration that comes with the disorder. The improved attention spans and concentration allows for better learning and focus that not only enhances success empirically, but also provides confidence that reinforces that success psychologically. Success breeds success. Social affairs are better all around, and even adults become more productive.

Medically, fish oils containing DHA and EPA are very safe. The FDA had concluded that there are some side effects if too much of the oil is taken or if it is not pure. Fish oil thins the blood slightly and can magnify the effects of other any anti-coagulants an individual may take. The oil also may increase the production of bad cholesterol in some patients, so when these conditions are an important current health factor, it would be advisable to consult a physician about dosage. Generally speaking, however, normal does are safe and may cause only minor gas and incontinence symptoms in a few people.

All in all the benefits of fish oil, especially DHA and EPA, come in its simplicity. First, there is the simplicity of its source. Fish are a natural part of people’s diets and familiar foods. The fact that manufacturing is easy and purifying adds value to fish oil supplements. Second, the short time to effectiveness, usually around 12 weeks, as well as its long term effectiveness and safety recommend fish oil as a major supplement, if not replacement, for standard medications. Third, Fish oil is much less expensive than other ADHD medications, but this is insignificant when compared to the costs of treatment over long periods of time that must also cope with extenuating circumstances of side effects. Fourth, the implications of recent studies and applications throughout the public systems worldwide indicate that fish oil has the potential for major social impact especially in areas where behavior is most required for good order and discipline.

Fish oil may not be the cure for ADHD, but it has taken an important place in the treatment of the disorder. The alleviation of worry in the minds of parents coping with not only the conduct but the implications of treatment for ADHD is significant in itself. It is one of the social benefits of fish oil therapies. Health wise, socially and economically fish oil has a range of benefits that are well documented. The miniscule cautions that must be applied in the use of fish oil pale in insignificance.