What are the best omega3 supplements that money can buy? That’s a question that many health-minded individuals would like answered. It’s not that hard to find out which products are superior. You just need to ask the manufacturer a few questions.
Of course, it can be difficult to talk to them directly. Hopefully, the necessary information is included in the product insert, the bottle’s label or on the manufacturer’s website.
How Much DHA Is In Each Capsule?
Docosahexaenoic acid, commonly referred to as DHA, is one of the omega-3 fatty acids that we know the most about. It is abundant in brain cells and tissues, makes up 60% of the fatty acids in the retina of the eye, and has a positive effect on high triglycerides in the bloodstream, more so than Eicosapentaenoic acid, its cousin.
DHA and EPA have proven to be beneficial for reducing depressive symptoms and treating other emotional disorders. Children given a supplement containing the fatty acids showed reduced symptoms of attention deficit disorder, according to several studies.
It is believed that increased intake of DHA may reduce the risk of some age-related eye diseases. In the best omega3 supplements, the minimum DHA content is 24% or 240mg per 1000mg capsule.
Is Each Batch Tested for Purity and Freshness?
Manufacturers are not required to test each batch for purity and freshness, but the better companies do. The presence of contaminants such as mercury and PCBs would negate any benefit of supplementation.
In order to test for freshness, laboratories look at the level of oxidation. It should be very low. High levels of oxidation can make you seriously ill. Moderate levels cause fishy-tasting burps. The best omega3 supplements have very low levels of oxidation and the manufacturer guarantees that there will be no fishy tasting burps.
Manufacturers are able to prove the purity and freshness of their products by posting an independent laboratory analysis. There should be no detectable level of mercury, PCBs or dioxins.
Has the Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Supplement Been Verified?
You may be familiar with some types of inflammation. They cause pain. Other types of inflammation are silent; symptoms are few, if any.
Arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, periodontal disease and eczema, appendicitis, tonsillitis and any other disease that ends in “-itis” is an inflammation. Inflammation is a necessary function of the immune system.
It occurs when bacteria or other pathogens attack healthy cells. The purpose is to provide a rush of white blood cells and other compounds that fight infection. The best omega3 supplements do not interfere with that type of inflammation. In fact, they provide support.
Inflammation also occurs when there is an injury. It provides an extra cushion against further injury. But, that kind of inflammation can become chronic and damage the joints.
In some cases, inflammation occurs for no reason. No infection or injury contributes to it. It is that type of inflammation that the best omega3 supplements will help to prevent. You might want to learn more about how to reduce inflammation throughout your body.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily.
Visit her site
http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
