Fish oil supplement?

katelynjohnson3956

I read somewhere that fish oil supplements can help you to metabolize fats better or something like that and therefore is good for aiding in weight loss? Anyone found this to help? Is there a certain brand I should buy? Any other good vitamins or supplements I should be taking? I'm trying to drop the last 15 pounds and do it in a healthy way.

Alyssa_Is_LosingIt

They're a good source of Omega 3's, but no, they will not aid in weight loss.

Asher_Ethan

No that's a myth. A calorie deficit is what you need to lose weight. I personally take fish oils because a doctor years ago told me to take them. I can't remember why, but I figured I'm not hurting anything to continue taking them.

vikinglander

There are many reasons to take fish oil. It's good for your heart function, brain function, vein elasticity, joint movement and several other body functions.

My best advice is to look it up on one of the reputable websites and do your own research, then if you think you need it, or your doctor advises it, take it.

Having worked at a major national organic grocery chain in the body care and supplement department (excuse me, "Body Team"!!) for several years, between what I was taught and what I researched on my own, here's what I learned about fish oil:

It provides a rich source of omega fatty acids, primarily omega-3s, -6s and -9s. If you're eating grass-fed meat, look for a blend that provides a balanced amount of each. If you're eating conventionally raised meat, look for one that's got high -3s and -9s, but lower omega-6s. This has to do with the fat profile in grass-fed meat versus grain-fed meat. The Standard American Diet is WAY high in omega-6s, but not -3s and -9s.

As far as brands, I would look for one that is independently lab-tested for purity for things like mercury, other heavy metals, PCBs, dioxin, etc. Some brands are cleaner than others.

I know that the majority of fish oil sold in this country comes from the Pacific coast of South America, where the industry may not be so carefully regulated. You might want to find a source from Alaska, or Norway.

Also, be sure to check expiration dates. The stuff WILL go rancid, even before the expiration date. Slice open a capsule and smell it, and return it if it smells rancid. Better to buy it in bottles and take it as a liquid. Make sure you understand the difference between FISH oil and COD LIVER oil. Fish oil is from the whole fish body and is a good source of Omega fatty acids. Cod liver oil is high in vitamins A & D, but not so much Omegas.

Just to repeat, this is only my opinion based on my own research. As always, check with your doctor instead of taking any medical advice from internet strangers (!!) Best of luck...

AnvilHead

Studies haven't shown fish oil to have any significant effect on weight loss or fat oxidation. Examine.com (which is a great source for researching supplements) has a thorough scientific review of fish oil and its benefits, all backed and referenced by studies: https://examine.com/supplements/fish-oil/

katelynjohnson3956

Thank you all for the good info!

ahoy_m8

It has omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for several reasons *except* heart disease prevention. Years ago researchers studying the Inuit paradox (diet almost all saturated fat, no heart disease) hypothesized the fish oil had a protective effect. Since then, genetic research shows the Inuit have a particular gene mutation that changes how they metabolize fat. Fish oil isn't protective at all; the gene mutation is.

A 1:3 (or greater) ratio of w-3:w-6 aids in the absorption of some nutrients, and as vikinglander indicates, we tend to get way more w-6. As far as I understand, the ratio is more important than the absolute amount of w-3.

canadianlbs

ahoy_m8 wrote: »

Since then, genetic research shows the Inuit have a particular gene mutation that changes how they metabolize fat. Fish oil isn't protective at all; the gene mutation is.

that is so neat. something i didn't know; thanks.

Gallowmere1984

https://labdoor.com/rankings/fish-oil

singingflutelady

If you are going to take a supplement take one with only omega 3 (unless you know for a fact you are deficient in omega 6 as that is quite rare) as apparently the omega 6 in the pill will cancel out the omega 3 (sorry no sorce, an Rd told me this)