Fish Oil Tablets & Capsules

About Fish Oil Tablets & Capsules

Fish oil Supplements are some of the most popular health products today, offered in both capsule and liquid form. Few products have the nutritional relevevance of Omega 3 fish oils due to the prevalence of deficiencies in these crucial fatty acids.

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. The requirements of the human body, however, are quite different and are believed to be closer to 2:1 or 1:1. Some scientists believe more Omega 3 than Omega 6 is ideal. Because most western diets, and increasingly eastern diets, have such a high Omega 6 content and are adhered to for decades, more Omega 3 may be important initially in order to “tip the scales” until the body’s fatty acid stores regain balance. Then a more balanced dietary fatty acid intake between Omega 6 and 3 could be adhered to. 

The basic Omega 3 fatty acid is called Linolenic Acid, while the Omega 6 fatty acid is Linoleic Acid—an extra "n" can make all the difference! Both are termed essential fatty acids, which means our body cannot synthesize them and must take them in through diet or supplementation in order to maintain health. A large portion of our body is fat, like the brain and 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 off 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 cost-effective way to get your daily dose of EPA and DHA without too much fuss, and are safe and suitable for dogs and other pets, as well as kids. 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 the best option for those who don't enjoy popping pills all day long.

A literature review was recently published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases in 2018. The authors concluded, after an exhaustive review of all clinical trials since 1966, that there is a strong evidence base for the use fish oil supplements in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.They found a clinical and statistical correlation between supplementation and improvements in this form of inflammatory arthritis.