DiabetesSource

by R. Keith Campbell Rph, FAADE, CDE

Omega-3 fish oil is one natural product that is universally supported by both medical groups and alternative medicine advocates. The benefits are many; the down sides of using Omega-3 fish oil products are minimal. Why is that?

An inadequate supply of the Omega-3 fatty acids in our diet, which can be easily supplemented by taking Omega-3 fish oil, is one of the most serious health issues confronting our generation. Studies are showing that a low level of the Omega-3 fatty acids in our diet is as serious a health problem as other high-risk issues, such as the high intake of the trans fats, a low intake of fruit and vegetables, or the over-use of alcohol.

There is much solid research supporting the benefits of a higher daily intake of Omega-3 fatty acids for diabetes and other conditions. The American Heart Association urges everyone to take these essential fatty acids, since a deficiency can increase one’s risk of stroke, heart attack, and even death. Other studies have shown benefits of Omega-3’s for other conditions like acne, ADHD, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, bowel cancer, brain health, other cancers, depression, mood disorders, pregnancy, vision problems, and some skin problems. If you read one of my other blogs, Treating Diabetes: The Controversy of Natural Products, you might feel confused, since I said that you should be cautious of any product that makes claims to treat a wide variety of conditions. Omega-3 products may be the exception to that warning.

The most important Omega-3 fat is DHA. DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid. Other important Omega-3 fatty acids include EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). You could get these essential fatty acids in your diet if you were to eat a lot of fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, sardines, or tuna. Walnuts, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower will also provide you with Omega-3s.

Supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids does not have a down side, unless you take poor quality products (or fall for some of the outrageous claims that some companies make). READ LABELS CAREFULLY! Some products give the appearance of having high doses of Omega-3 fatty acids when in fact they don’t. Make sure you get at least 460 mg of EPA and 480 mg of DHA. Note that Omega-3 fatty acids are recommended for children as well as adults, and products are available in easy-to-take chewable forms. When selecting a product, read the labels carefully and purchase products that have adequate doses, are free of heavy metals, and do not give you the fish burps when you take them.

So far, I have made several recommendations if you have diabetes. Aside from the medications you take daily to treat blood glucose levels and lower blood pressure and blood lipids, you should take Magnesium and Vitamin D, Resveratrol, and especially Omega-3 fish oil capsules. As always, consult your physician to discuss your specific intake requirements before beginning a new supplement regimen.

About The Author
R. Keith Campbell RPh, FAADE, CDE is a leader in the field of diabetes, named the “Outstanding Health Care Educator in the Field of Diabetes in the U.S.” by the American Diabetes Association, having published more than 650 articles, serving on numerous boards (including the American Association of Diabetes Educators), and co-developing the popular CADD ambulatory infusion pump.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of DiabetesProductSource, Kestrel Health Information, Inc., its affiliates, or subsidiary companies.