Are Omega-3 Oils Related to Heart Disease?

Article by Arnie Gitomer

New research suggests measuring omega-3 levels may help doctors detect early signs of, and prevent, heart disease in older adults. In this study, doctors measured lipids and EPA/DHA omega-3 levels in 276 adults, aged 65 to 95.

Women had higher omega-3 levels than men, and doctors found a direct link: as omega-3 levels increased, triglyceride levels decreased, and women with the lowest omega-3 levels were more likely to have high triglycerides. Also as omega-3s rose, HDL, the "good" cholesterol, increased as a percentage of total cholesterol. In both men and women, greater omega-3 levels meant better HDL/total cholesterol ratios.

Reference: Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry; 2016, Vol. 27, 233-40

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Additional Comments from Don Goldberg

There are many products to choose from when deciding on an Omega-3 supplement. For maximum “therapeutic” effect, you want to get a high level of actual omega-3 oils, meaning that you look for the total EPA and DHA (or “omega-3 oils”) content. On the other hand, you want to make sure that the omega-3 oils are well absorbed. This is one advantage of Krill Oil supplements, as the omega-3 oils in Krill consist of a phospholipid complex. This may lead to enhanced absorption. The problem is that the actual amount of omega-3 oils may be lower in Krill Oil capsules than in high potency fish oil capsules.

One possible solution, now available from some companies, is a phospholipid EPA-DHA complex. The complex can be derived from fish, not Krill. An example of this type of product is Jarrow Formulas PhosphOmega. It is available from Willner Chemists in two sizes: 60 softgels, Code 61207 and 30 softgels, Code 61208.

Another example of this type of product is Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Phospholipids, 60 Soft Gels, Willner Code 64944.

For more information on these products, go to www.willner.com, enter the product code, and click on the “info” button. For informatin on similar products, the pharmacists and nutritionists at Willner Chemists will be happy to help you.

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Note: A version of this article appeared in the Summer 2016 Willner Window Newsletter/Product Catalog.