I’ve been taking omega-3 for several years now. I’m typically pretty good about doing my research before jumping into type and dose for supplements. Yet, I run into new developments all the time, or perhaps things I missed the first time around.
First things first. Omega 3 fatty acids are good for your brain and heart. Secondly, the typical American diet does not provide enough Omega 3 in the food supply, so you need supplementation. The questions is which one and how much to take?
As a guide, my own research and experimentation are the best school. FDA approval does not necessarily mean superiority. It just means somebody had the money and ambition to pursue FDA approval. On the other hand, many of the claims made for even well-known alternative supplements are not backed up by science and are not supported by mainstream medicine.
So here’s a quick list to help select the best Omega 3 fatty acids for your:
1. Choose formulations that contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with more DHA than EPA.
2. Choose triglyceride over ethyl ester form. This is not well advertised, so you’ll need to check carefully.
3. For maintaining good health and protection take 1,000 – 1,200mg per day. To reduce triglyceride (i.e. hypertriglyceridemia) you may need up to 5,000mg.
The triglyceride form fact which improves absorption and oxygenation was completely new for me. Well, now I know better and you too.
Check this WebMD article on Omega-3 which has additional information.
I like your posts. Are you still doing p90x and/or volleyball? I play at the AAA level and I too am an entrepreneur and studying to be a registered dietitian. Shoot me an email, it’ll be good to connect and network.
Thanks for sharing. Yes, I’m in my second week on another circuit. I’ll post a review soon. I’m trying out another circuit since I hear good things about P90X2 and look forward to start the new version around December. I hope you are enjoying an active lifestyle. Stay in touch.