Synthetic Fish Oil Supplements Not as Helpful as Natural Fish Oil

Is your fish oil supplement natural?

The health benefits of omega-3 fats found in fish or fish oil supplements has been widely reported, but new research indicates the source of those healthy fats is more important than initially understood.

It has been recommended that Americans eat 2-3 meals of fatty fish each week (not fried) to benefit from their omega-3 fats. Those who don't like fish or don't eat fish often can substitute fish oil supplements to receive the health-promoting benefits to the heart and other areas of the body.

However, recent research on fish oil supplements from the University of Pennsylvania indicates it's not that simple. The researchers noted that one of the ways omega-3 fats improve health is by relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. But synthetically manufactured versions of omega-3 fats (DHA) do not produce the same beneficial effect that natural omega-3 fats do.

Synthetic fish oil supplements did not relax blood vessels the way natural fish oil fat does.

Many manufacturers have produced synthetic fish oils or added higher doses of synthetics to their fish oil supplements to keep costs low while assuming there will be no difference in health benefits. This study once again reinforces two points:

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1. You get what you pay for - especially with cheap synthetic supplements
2. Natural supplements are better than synthetic/manufactured supplements

The best source of nutrition comes from fresh foods. The second best source of nutrition comes from fresh foods concentrated without degrading nutrient levels. Why would we instead choose combinations of synthetic chemicals to nourish our bodies?

We recommend patients use natural supplements made from concentrated whole foods whenever possible - like those from Standard Process. Fish oil should come from fish, not from a laboratory or chemical plant. When shopping for fish oil supplements, choose wisely.