Fish Oil

Please note the following referenced scientific research is for informational use only. The results reported below may not necessarily occur in all our customers. The information should not replace advice from your health care practitioner. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific product.

Vitable’s fish oil contains a concentrated form of naturally derived omega-3 fatty acids; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3s can’t be produced in the human body therefore they are mostly consumed from dietary sources. Fish oils have been extensively studied, revealing their key action in exerting anti-inflammatory effects, maintaining and supporting heart and brain health and contributing playing a key role in supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Anti-inflammatory

  • Fish oils influence a number of chemical changes in the body that ultimately exert an anti-inflammatory action (Braun & Cohen 2015, 327).  Inflammation is a major contributing factor in the development of a number of chronic diseases.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids replace arachidonic acid in inflammatory cells to reduce inflammatory mediators (Calder 2003). 

  • Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the production of inflammatory eicosanoids, cytokines, and reactive oxygen species and the expression of adhesion molecules (Clader 2006).

Cardiovascular System

  • You are most likely to have heard about the positive effects of dietary fish intake and supplemental fish oils on heart health. 

  • Fish oils have been shown to exert a number of different effects on the heart and vessels exerting a protective effect throughout the cardiovascular system. Studies show supplementing with fish oil assists with the reduction of triglyceride levels, reducing blood pressure and heart rate, cholesterol levels, showing antiplatelet activity and reduce atherogenesis (Braun & Cohen 2015, 325) (Wang et al. 2006), (Balk et al. 2006).

Brain

  • The brain is predominately made up of fat (aprox. 50%), mostly the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. Fats are crucial for brain development, integrity, function and overall health. Fatty acids are major components of the brain and are found in high concentrations (Braun & Cohen 2015, 327).

  • Studies show that fish oils have a direct effect on brain function, mood and behaviour (Braun & Cohen 2015, 327) (Larrieu & Laye 2018).

  • Low plasma levels of essential fatty acids are associated with a number of neurological disorders (Riediger et al. 2009).

Pregnancy

  • DHA plays a crucial role in the growth and functional development of the brain during the third trimester and the early postnatal period (Braun & Cohen 2015, 327).

  • Omega 3 fatty acids are critical for fetal neurodevelopment (Greenberg et al. 2008).

References

  • Braun, L., and Cohen,Marc. 2015. Herbs & Natural Supplements An Evidence-based guide Volume 2. 4th ed. Australia: Elsevier.

  • Heart Foundation Australia. 2015. Healthy Hearts Position Statement. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/images/uploads/main/Programs/PRO-169_Fish_and_seafood_position_statement.pdf 

  • Wang, C., Harris, WS., Chung, M., Lichtenstein, AH., Balk, EM., Kupelnick, B., Jordan, HS., Lau, J. 2006. “n-3 Fatty acids from fish or fish-oil supplements, but not alpha-linolenic acid, benefit cardiovascular disease outcomes in primary- and secondary- prevention studies: a systematic review.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84. 1 (Jul): 5-17. 10.1093/ajcn/84.1.5 

  • Balk, EM., Lichtenstein, AH., Chung, M., Kuperlnick, B., Chew, P., Lau, J. 2006. “Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on serum markers of cardiovascular disease risk: a systematic review.” Atherosclerosis, 189. 1 (Nov): 19-30. 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2006.02.012 

  • Calder, PC. 2003. “N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammation: from molecular biology to the clinic.” Lipids, 38. 4 (Apr): 434-52. 10.1007/s11745-003-1068-y 

  • Calder, PC. 2006. “n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and inflammatory diseases.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 83. 6 (Jun): 150-151. 10.1093/ajcn/83.6.1505S 

  • Riediger, ND., Othman, RA., Suh, M., Moghadasian, MH. 2009. “A systemic review of the roles of n-3 fatty acids in health and disease.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 109. 4 (Apr): 668-79. 10.1016/j.jada.2008.12.022

  • Larrieu, T., Laye, S. 2018. “Food for Mood: Relevance of Nutrition Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Depression and Anxiety”. Frontiers in Physiology. 9 1047. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01047

  • Greenberg, JA., Bell, SJ., Ausdal, WV. 2008. “Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation During Pregnancy”. Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1. 4: 162-169. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2621042/