Salmon oil health benefits

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Salmon Oil and Their Health Benefits

Salmon oil is a rich source of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are well known for their positive effects on heart health, reducing the risk of cardiac diseases, and helping to treat or prevent several inflammatory conditions 34. Studies show that both salmon oil capsules and whole salmon consumption can significantly improve omega-3 status in the body, which is important for populations with marginal omega-3 intake .

Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Health Effects of Salmon Oil

Salmon oil provides important anti-inflammatory benefits. Research in adults recovering from mild to moderate COVID-19 found that enzymatically liberated salmon oil helped resolve inflammation and improved the immune response, including better interferon activity and potentially enhanced lung barrier function and immune memory . These findings suggest that salmon oil may support immune health, especially during recovery from viral infections .

Selenium and Additional Nutrients in Salmon Oil

In addition to omega-3s, salmon and its oil can provide selenium, an essential trace mineral with antioxidant properties. Consuming whole salmon increases selenium status more effectively than salmon oil capsules, which contain very little selenium. This is particularly relevant for populations with low selenium intake, as selenium supports immune function and antioxidant defenses .

Cancer-Related Benefits of Salmon Oil

Salmon oil has shown potential anti-cancer effects, particularly against colorectal cancer cells. In laboratory studies, salmon oil (OmeGo) reduced the viability of colorectal cancer cells and enhanced the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The combination of salmon oil and 5-FU was more effective than either treatment alone, suggesting a possible role for salmon oil as a supportive therapy in cancer treatment .

Contaminant Removal and Safety of Salmon Oil

There have been concerns about persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in farmed salmon and salmon oil, such as dioxins and PCBs. However, modern processing technologies, including activated carbon treatment and advanced distillation methods, have been developed to effectively remove these contaminants from fish oils. As a result, decontaminated salmon oil is considered safe and retains its nutritional benefits, including high levels of EPA and DHA .

Changes in Omega-3 Content in Farmed Salmon

The omega-3 content in farmed salmon has decreased over the past decade due to the use of more plant-based feeds, which do not contain EPA and DHA. While farmed salmon still provides more omega-3s than most other fish and terrestrial meats, larger portion sizes are now needed to meet recommended intake levels. This highlights the importance of sustainable sources for these essential fatty acids .

Conclusion

Salmon oil offers a range of health benefits, including improved omega-3 and selenium status, anti-inflammatory effects, immune support, and potential anti-cancer properties. Advances in processing have made salmon oil safer by reducing contaminants. However, changes in aquaculture practices have affected the omega-3 content of farmed salmon, making it important to consider both the source and processing of salmon oil for optimal health benefits.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Assessing the Potential of an Enzymatically Liberated Salmon Oil to Support Immune Health Recovery from Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection via Change in the Expression of Cytokine, Chemokine and Interferon-Related Genes

Enzymatically liberated salmon oil is well-tolerated and provides broad inflammation-resolving effects, potentially enhancing immune health in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19.

RCT

2024·

0citations

·Crawford Currie et al.

Consumption of salmon v. salmon oil capsules: effects on n-3 PUFA and selenium status

Salmon consumption improves LC n-3 PUFA status similarly to salmon oil capsules, but salmon also increases selenium status, particularly beneficial for New Zealand's marginal LC n-3 and Se status.

RCTVery Rigorous Journal

2011·

22citations

·W. Stonehouse et al.

The 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 Journal

2010·

5citations

·S. Lall

Impact of sustainable feeds on omega-3 long-chain fatty acid levels in farmed Atlantic salmon, 2006–2015

Sustainable feeds in farmed Atlantic salmon have increased terrestrial fatty acids, leading to a decrease in EPA and DHA levels, compromising the nutritional value of the final product.

Highly Cited

2016·

413citations

·M. Sprague et al.

The Salmon Oil OmeGo Reduces Viability of Colorectal Cancer Cells and Potentiates the Anti-Cancer Effect of 5-FU

Salmon oil OmeGo reduces colorectal cancer cell viability and enhances the anti-cancer effect of 5-FU, suggesting potential as an alternative anti-cancer therapy for CRC patients.

In Vitro Study

2023·

4citations

·C. H. Pettersen et al.

The 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.

RCTRigorous Journal

2020·

5citations

·B. de Roos et al.

An 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-RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2017·

79citations

·M. Betancor et al.

Long-term substitution of fish oil with alternative sources in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): Performance, health, and consumer appeal

Substituting fish oil with transgenic canola oil and Schizochytrium sp. oil in Atlantic salmon feed maintains growth and health, but has a lower sensory appeal.

2024·

3citations

·Tomás Pablo Leyton et al.

Lipid composition and contaminants in farmed and wild salmon.

Farmed salmon contain high levels of organochlorine compounds, which may reduce the net health benefits derived from their consumption despite high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Observational StudyHighly Cited

2005·

144citations

·M. C. Hamilton et al.

Benefits of Fish Oil in Human Health

Fish oil consumption may help reduce breast cancer metastasis and prostate cancer risk, as well as benefit cardiovascular diseases, stroke, neurological injuries, and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Literature Review

2024·

0citations

·Rongsheng Wang

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