Cod and its companions

The key elements of nutrition that can be obtained from fish or nutritional supplements, EPA and DHA, are found in mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, sablefish (black cod), anchovies, albacore tuna, and wild game. One of the best forms of nutritional supplementation(http://www.mitamins.com/) is cod liver oil, as it contains large amounts of EPA and DHA. Fish oil supplements typically contain 18% EPA and 12% DHA, though more purified (i.e., higher in EPA and DHA) fish oil supplements are sometimes available. In addition, DHA is available in a nutritional supplement that does not contain significant amounts of EPA. To take this type of supplement, you should balance with vitamin B complexes and vitamin C in the appropriate doses. Sometimes, starting up a new vitamin(http://www.mitamins.com/) regime requires an adjustment of other regular vitamins and nutritional supplements(http://www.mitamins.com/). This is certainly the case with fatty fish oil.

A primitive diet

So-called “primitive” diets have much higher levels of EPA and DHA than modern diets. As a result, some researchers and doctors believe that most people who eat a typical western diet are likely to be consuming less-than-optimal amounts of EPA and DHA. To a very limited extent, omega-3 fatty acids from vegetable sources, such as flaxseed oil, can convert to EPA.

Better results for depression and arthritis

At least four studies have reported a reduced blood level of omega-3 fatty acids in people with depression. People with rheumatoid arthritis have been found to have decreased levels of omega-3 fatty acids, such as are found in fish oil, in their joint fluid and blood. Naturally, healthy people who frequently eat fatty fish (several times per week) have no need to supplement with fish oil. How much EPA and DHA, if any, should be supplemented by healthy people who do not eat much fatty fish, remains unclear.

Article Source