Fish oil salmon oil benefits
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Health Benefits of Fish Oil and Salmon Oil
Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Fish Oil
Fish oil, derived from the tissues of oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 1. These essential fatty acids are known for their numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attack and coronary heart disease, and potentially aiding in the treatment of mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia 1.
Cardiovascular Health Benefits
Reduction in Oxidative Stress
Daily supplementation with salmon oil has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in healthy older adults. A study found that participants who consumed 6 grams of salmon oil daily had significantly lower levels of F2-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative stress, compared to those who took a placebo 2. However, the same study noted that salmon oil did not significantly affect inflammatory markers or cholesterol levels 2.
Heart Rate and Blood Lipids
Consuming farmed salmon, whether raised on fish oil or rapeseed oil, has been associated with improved cardiovascular markers. For instance, subjects consuming salmon raised on fish oil exhibited a significant reduction in heart rate after nine weeks 4. Additionally, those consuming salmon raised on rapeseed oil showed increased Omega-3 index and vitamin D levels, along with decreased plasma triacylglycerols, which are beneficial for heart health 4.
Cognitive and Mental Health Benefits
High DHA fish oils have been reported to support brain function and slow cognitive decline. DHA is particularly beneficial for brain and visual function, and it may have complementary effects with EPA in supporting cardiovascular health 3. However, the effects of DHA on depression disorders remain unclear, with some studies showing inconclusive results 3.
Sustainable Alternatives and Contaminant Reduction
Plant-Based Omega-3 Sources
To address the sustainability issues of marine fisheries, researchers have developed plant-based sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. For example, the oilseed crop Camelina sativa has been genetically modified to produce significant amounts of EPA and DHA, offering a sustainable alternative to fish oil 57. Studies have shown that salmon fed with oil from transgenic Camelina accumulated high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids without adverse health effects 7.
Decontamination of Fish Oil
Concerns about contaminants in farmed salmon, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins, have led to advancements in fish oil decontamination processes. Modern refining technologies, including activated carbon treatment and supercritical CO2 extraction, have been effective in removing these persistent organic pollutants, making farmed salmon a safer option for consumers 6.
Conclusion
Fish oil and salmon oil, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, offer numerous health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular and cognitive health. Sustainable alternatives like genetically modified Camelina oil and advanced decontamination processes for fish oil are promising solutions to meet the growing demand for these beneficial fatty acids while addressing environmental and health concerns.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Fish Oil
Fish oil also contains a compound called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which may help reduce the risk of heart attack and depression.
Fish oil and multivitamin supplementation reduces oxidative stress but not inflammation in healthy older adults: A randomised controlled trial
Daily fish oil supplementation with multivitamins reduces oxidative stress but does not affect inflammation in healthy older adults.
RCTHow does high DHA fish oil affect health? A systematic review of evidence
High DHA fish oil is beneficial for heart, cardiovascular, and brain function, with different and sometimes complementary effects compared to EPA, and may slow cognitive decline.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedThe nutritional and cardiovascular health benefits of rapeseed oil-fed farmed salmon in humans are not decreased compared with those of traditionally farmed salmon: a randomized controlled trial
Rapeseed oil-fed farmed salmon maintains the same nutritional and cardiovascular health benefits as fish oil-fed salmon, with increased omega-3 index and vitamin D status.
RCT
Rigorous JournalThe health benefits of farmed salmon: fish oil decontamination processing removes persistent organic pollutants.
Reducing persistent organic pollutants in farmed salmon feed through decontamination processing maintains the beneficial health effects of n-3 PUFA and reduces the risk of cardiac diseases and inflammation.
Very Rigorous JournalAn oil containing EPA and DHA from transgenic Camelina sativa to replace marine fish oil in feeds for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): Effects on intestinal transcriptome, histology, tissue fatty acid profiles and plasma biochemistry
Transgenic Camelina sativa oil can effectively increase omega-3 fatty acid levels in Atlantic salmon feed without affecting performance or health, offering a potential alternative to marine fish oil.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyRigorous JournalHighly CitedSubstituting fish oil with crude palm oil in the diet of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) affects muscle fatty acid composition and hepatic fatty acid metabolism.
Crude palm oil can successfully replace fish oil in Atlantic salmon diets, but higher levels may reduce essential (n-3) unsaturated fatty acids.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyHighly CitedFish Oils in Health and Disease
Fish oil supplements may help prevent and treat age-related memory loss by providing essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which contribute to neuronal function and signal transduction.
n-3 Oil sources for use in aquaculture – alternatives to the unsustainable harvest of wild fish
Alternatives to wild-caught fish oil in aquaculture include marine sources, vegetable oils, single-cell oil sources, and genetically modified vegetable oils.
Literature ReviewHighly Cited