Fish Oil Tablets & Capsules

Fish oil is one of the most popular health supplements on the market today, and has been for quite some time. There certainly is a nutritional foundation for this type of supplement, given that  deficiencies and insufficiencies in Omega 3 fatty acids are so common. This is caused by a fatty acid imbalance in the diets of most people living in developed nations. It was reported in Nutrients in 2016 that the Omega 6 to 3 ratio of the Western diet is currently 20:1, perhaps even higher. Our actual requirement is more like a ratio of around 1:1, though some researchers believe more Omega 3 than Omega 6 is ideal. Certainly, if we have had a diet with a high Omega 6 to 3 ratio for many decades, it may be wise to “tip the scales” and consume more Omega 3 than 6 for a time, until the body’s fatty acid stores attain some semblance of balance. Then a more balanced dietary fatty acid intake could be adhered to.
 

The basic Omega 3 fatty acid is called Linolenic Acid, while the Omega 6 fatty acid is Linoleic Acid—one extra "n" can make all the difference! Both are termed essential fatty acids, which means that our body can not synthesize them and must take them in through diet or supplementation in order to maintain health. And remember, a large portion of our body is fat, namely, the cell membrane of every single cell in the body!
 

When we eat Linolenic Acid and Linoleic Acid, these fats can be converted via enzymatic reactions in the body into other fats. In the case of the Omega 3 fatty acid Linolenic acid, it can be converted to EPA and DHA. These specialised fats play crucial roles in our bodies, such as warding of inflammation and supporting brain function. However, our body’s ability to convert Linolenic acid to EPA and DHA is limited. As little as one per cent of ingested Linolenic acid ends up as DHA. And that is if we are getting enough linolenic acid in the first place! Therefore, it can be a great idea to supplement with these Omega 3 fatty acids.
 

Fish oils are a great and cost-effective way to get your daily dose of EPA and DHA without too much fuss. Krill oil is also a great option, containing the EPA and DHA in phospholipid form, which differs to the triglyceride form found in fish oil. The phospholipid form may have increased bioavailability over standard fish oil, though the concentration of EPA and DHA in fish oil is a lot higher. Fish oil even has a triple strength now, allowing you to take one capsule instead of three, which is a great option for those of you who are not in love with popping pills all day.