EPA Fish Oil
Is it best to choose a DHA or an EPA fish oil supplement? What is important about fish oil? EPA and DHA are long chain omega-3 fatty acids. The distinction is made because some benefits associated with omega 3's are not achieved by using either one alone. DHA appears to be more important to brain function, because of the high levels of DHA found in the brain (higher than in any other organ of the body).
Studies of patients suffering from the symptoms of depression, however, showed better and more marked improvement when they received supplements containing both DHA and fish oil EPA. It is not yet fully understood by doctors or scientists how omega 3's work, only that they do offer numerous health benefits.
It is also understood that omega-3 fatty acids are not manufactured by the body and most be consumed through the food we eat or by supplementation. Many doctors recommend supplementation with DHA and EPA fish oil. Especially so because eating fish itself can lead to high mercury levels in the body due to contaminants that build up the flesh of fish.
The most desirable fish oil EPA products are produced by companies that realize that purified or pharmaceutical grade fish oil are the best way to make a top notch supplement.
Back to the importance of DHA and EPA fish oil supplements. The brain, the heart, the joints, the digestive system and all the cells of the body need adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
DHA and EPA are more readily absorbed by the body than is ALA which is the omega-3 commonly found in flaxseed oil. The body has to convert ALA to DHA and EPA before it can use it and this conversion doesn't always happen smoothly for many people, especially those with less than optimal health.
In summary, the important thing to remember is both DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids are important and the best supplement will contain both DHA and EPA fish oil.
Learn more about the fish oil we personally use after extensive product research at:
Best EPA fish oil
