Diet study: How much Omega-3 fatty acid capsules for a healthy diet?

Dietary supplements: How useful is the consumption of the capsules of Omega-3 fatty acid?

Omega-3 fatty acids are needed in small amounts are healthy and essential to life. They can not be manufactured by the body itself. Some people who use Omega-3 fatty acid capsules. The taking the dietary Supplement, but it is really useful?

Essential substances for the human diet

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential substances for the human diet. They are so essential to life and cannot be manufactured by the body itself. The substances improve the flow properties of the blood, inhibit blood clotting, blood pressure lowering, anti-inflammatory and affect the triglyceride metabolism. The German society for nutrition (DGE) therefore recommends that 0.5 per cent of the daily calories from Omega-3 fatty acids. That’s the equivalent of an adult is about the amount contained in a tablespoon of rapeseed oil. Some people resort to to Omega-3 fatty acid capsules. Whether taking the dietary Supplement, but it is really useful to explain consumer advocates.

Positive influence on health

Omega-3 fatty acids affect health positively. According to experts, they strengthen our immune system, work effectively calcifications in the Vessel and maintain health into old age.

In addition, it has been shown in studies that it can help cancer prevention and Alzheimer’s Prevention.

Before the heart does not protect you, however, as in a scientific investigation has shown.

Omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food

Omega-3 fatty acids can not be made by the body and must therefore be obtained from food.

Good Omega-3 suppliers, among other things, walnuts, green leafy vegetables (e.g. lettuce), some vegetable Oils (e.g., canola, walnut and Flaxseed) and Chia seeds.

But especially fish Omega-3 fatty acids. It is recommended here, in particular fat-rich sea fish such as mackerel, herring, tuna or salmon.

As a General rule, healthy people taking in a fully-fledged and well-balanced diet with enough Omega-3 fatty acids.

The consumer explained Central on your website, in the absence of fish, such as, for example, in the case of a vegan diet, hardly any eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

According to the experts, these can then be fed via fortified foods (e.g., enriched Oil, or Margarine) or food supplements (e.g. fish oil or marine microalgae).

However, such agents are also recommend in General?

Not for the treatment of diseases suitable

Dietary supplements Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or Flaxseed oil capsules, are often advertised in order to maintain a normal cholesterol and Triglyceride levels in the blood and a normal blood pressure.

They should also contribute to normal brain function, eyesight and heart function. These health claims are scientifically proven and allowed by law, explains the consumer.

However, the supplements must contain a minimum amount of these fatty acids. The permitted health claims, however, are often amplified and exaggerated.

For example, “contribute to a normal heart function in the case of” effective advertising “have protective properties for a healthy heart”.

In particular, the Internet, Omega-3 fatty acid products are advertised again and again, with not one of the acceptable statements such as “for protection against heart attack and stroke, help with Arthritis and joint pain” and “protection against breast cancer”.

However, Omega-3 fatty acid-containing dietary supplements are food and not for the treatment of diseases suitable.

No protection against heart attacks and strokes

A large study (meta-analysis) has shown, under the auspices of the University of Oxford that dietary supplements prevent, up to two grams of Omega-3 fatty acids per day, neither heart attack nor stroke. Whether higher-dose products, is still being researched.

In a further study, also from Oxford, it was examined whether taking capsules of fish oil (380 mg docosahexaenoic acid and 460 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid) diabetics against heart disease protects.

This specific target group were compared with subjects taking the placebo were given, no differences in the frequency of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular-related deaths or cancers.

Some statements are prohibited by law

In the case of Omega-3 fatty acid products for children, infants or the Unborn child (products for Pregnant women), according to the consumer the following statements are scientifically documented:

The inclusion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [100 mg daily], contributes to the normal visual development of infants up to the age of twelve months.

The intake of DHA [200 mg daily in addition,] the mother contributes to normal development of the brain / the eyes in the foetus and breastfed infants.

However, these effects are obtained only when a certain amount of these fatty acids is taken daily. The preparations should therefore carry a corresponding note.

If in a product in addition to the Omega-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid [0.2% of total energy daily] the Omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid [from 1 % of total energy daily], may also be the following statement on the product:

α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid needed for healthy growth and healthy development in children.

Statements to the effect that Omega-3-fatty acids to calm, Composure, concentration, learning ability, thinking ability and intellectual development of children (from one to twelve years, in connection with ADHD) are prohibited by law.

In the case of persons hit by a disease, such as coronary heart disease (CHD), can be an additional supply of appropriately dosed drugs with Omega-3 fatty acids from a therapeutic point of view (i.e., at the instruction of the doctor).

Side – effects and interactions

With the use of dietary supplements with Omega-3 fatty acids are side – effects and interactions are not excluded, even if you don’t have to be called.

Products with manufacturer’s recommended amount of up to five grams of EPA and DHA (in combination) and 1.8 grams of EPA (individually) per day for adults, according to the European food safety authority as safe for health.

A warning that the quantity of five grams daily will not be exceeded, in doses of two grams a day for food supplements and fortified foods required.

Higher dosages can also change the flow properties of blood, the bleeding time is extended and thus increase the risk of bleeding.

Furthermore, Nausea and vomiting may occur.

In people with Diabetes may be the blood sugar control more difficult and the immune system will be adversely affected, which may lead to an increased susceptibility to infections especially in the elderly.

In the case of an infectious disease, an additional Omega-3 should therefore be carried out-fatty acid administration only after consultation with the doctor.

Especially EPA can, at increased consumption to increased LDL-cholesterol levels require. This is, in particular, in the case of certain metabolic disorders problematic.

Usage and dosage discuss with a doctor

Due to the above-mentioned risks, the Federal Institute for risk assessment (BfR), the maximum quantities of Omega-3 fatty acid recommends not to specify products that are there so far, unfortunately, and the manufacturer not feel bound.

The BfR, not more than 1.5 g of Omega-3 fatty acids from all sources (including should per day even. Foods such as fish, Margarine, nuts) are included.

Particular caution is advised in the concomitant ingestion of drugs. May increase through the use of high doses of Omega-3 fatty acid products, for example, the effect of coagulation-inhibiting drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid (Asa).

Therefore, the use and dosage of Omega-3 fatty acid-containing products, generally only in consultation with a doctor. (ad)