Fish Oil supplementation?

[BossaGator]

Anybody else take fish oil regularly? I take probably 5-6 g per day, generally Nordic Naturals gelcaps. I've heard it helps with recovery/soreness/inflammation if you're working out heavily & frequently, and I can genuinely say that my joints feel a lot better since I started taking it, but I'll also allow that some of that could be a placebo effect.

Was interested if anyone else had thoughts/experiences with fish oil supplementation.

[fwbgator]

I take two tablets of Fish oil every day.... However I have heard it was good for the heart, not sure about the other effects you mentioned.... I know my blood pressure has dropped, which could be from the pills, or it could be from the 25 lbs I have lost and going to the gym everyday also....
But I have never heard from anyone that taking them was a bad thing, I just keep mine in the freezer to get rid of that after taste....

[Dreamliner]

The government has pulled the plug on the Niacin study. Turns out that it doesn't prevent heart attacks. Now, I'm just waiting for the other show to drop.

Also, my ortho strongly recommended glucosamine for my knee pain. Turns out that there are no large studies attesting to its efficacy.

[Dreamliner]

The government has pulled the plug on the Niacin study. Turns out that it doesn't prevent heart attacks. Now, I'm just waiting for the other show to drop.

Also, my ortho strongly recommended glucosamine for my knee pain. Turns out that there are no large studies attesting to its efficacy.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

Fish oil is great for overall inflammation, backed by tons of studies.

I use this stuff:

http://savingnaturally.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Carlson_Fish_Oil_Liquid-p.jpg

That's medical-grade quality (most of the pills you can buy are of questionable quality)

[slmdLS1]

thought about em, just never remembered to order some. my buddy works for bb.com warehouse now so maybe i'll get some.

[MikeRoger]

Anybody else take fish oil regularly? I take probably 5-6 g per day, generally Nordic Naturals gelcaps. I've heard it helps with recovery/soreness/inflammation if you're working out heavily & frequently, and I can genuinely say that my joints feel a lot better since I started taking it, but I'll also allow that some of that could be a placebo effect.

Was interested if anyone else had thoughts/experiences with fish oil supplementation.

After taking fish oil supplements regularly for six months now, I can say I believe it has helped control my acne, high blood pressure, heart attacks and abnormal heart rate also helps in loosing weight. Fish oil supplements do not taste good, but the benefits are all worth it. These are not substitute for meals, so it is still important to maintain a balanced diet and good exercise.

[Palhaco1]

A great, but more expensive route, is krill oil. I've taken both and both are very beneficial, krill oil has some advantages though. I always take some type of fish/krill oils supplement.

[amangator08]

Carlson is one of the best. My nutritionist does cancer prevention workshops, and he said fish oil is the #1 supplement he recommends for overall health. We recently switched from Carlson to some other brand (name escapes me) that is actually salmon oil and is a little more expensive.
Doc studies the processing of any supplement before he recommends them, and he used to sell Carlson in his office.

[jjgators]

After taking fish oil supplements regularly for six months now, I can say I believe it has helped control my acne, high blood pressure, heart attacks and abnormal heart rate also helps in loosing weight. Fish oil supplements do not taste good, but the benefits are all worth it. These are not substitute for meals, so it is still important to maintain a balanced diet and good exercise.

I am glad you got your heart attacks under control. They can be a killer.

[G8rChuck85]

I bought a couple bottles awhile back and just finished them. Not sure if I'm going to buy them again, at least until I do some more research.

[Dreamliner]

I bought a couple bottles awhile back and just finished them. Not sure if I'm going to buy them again, at least until I do some more research.

Did they do anything for you ?

[G8rChuck85]

Not that I noticed. It may take more the a couple of bottles. I'm still reading up on the pros and cons.

[G8rRanger]

At least 9 a day, more if I'm recovering from a tough WOD...like today! Take them with some fat to slow the breakdown and avoid the fish burps. They don't bother me but some people freak out. Get good ones with a high EPA/DHA count. Not all fish oil is created equal, but cost does not equal quality, neccessarily. Read labels.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

FYI, I notice tangible differences in my joints, particularly after bouts of heavy compound lifts.

[trufloridagator]

6+/day is necessary, under 6 isn't very beneficial, although if 6 is effective, logically speaking, 5 must be decent. Lyle Mcdonald recommends 10/day.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/qa-2.html

[GuyWhiteyCorngood]

Fish oil is great for overall inflammation, backed by tons of studies.

I use this stuff:

http://savingnaturally.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Carlson_Fish_Oil_Liquid-p.jpg

That's medical-grade quality (most of the pills you can buy are of questionable quality)

I'll second this stuff, but I'm sure there are plenty of other good options. This just happens to be what they sell at my favorite local market.

[ajoseph]

I take Ultimate Omega, by Nordic Naturals. (2 pills have 650 mg of EPA, 450 mg of DHA, and 180 mg of "other Omega-3s".) The pills are lemon flavor and have virtually no "repeat" risk, meaning you don't burp fish all day. I take 4 pills a day (unless I eat really unhealthy, and then I'll pop an extra 2).

I have had experienced tangible increases in my HDL count with the pills, and my overall cholesterol levels are superb. Moreover, there has been a dramatic decline in my trygliceride count, although that could be attributed to diet. Suffice it to say, I have had measurable, objective success using the product.

The big drawbag is the pills are pretty big, and it is fairly expensive. But, I've been taking the stuff now for about 8 years, and I don't want to risk stop taking "a good thing."

You can order it 800-595-2714, or at www.omega-direct.com. The company also sells the fish oil in "oil" form, but I can't stomach the oil directly. I need to take it in pill form.

From what I have read, you want to study the labels, and make sure the EPA and DHA counts are high. As a poster above said, not all pills are created equally. And, you want to make sure this product is "molecularly distilled," so that you are ensured of not getting lethal dosages of mercury or other toxins that may seep into the fish oil.

[grant1]

I take 4 pills a day at my DR's recommendation. I think they have 180 mg DHA each. Not only good for your heart, but brain, too. Studies show that they may decrease the chance of getting Alzheimer's disease.

[jdrgator]

The benefits of fish are supported by scientific research I believe. And though I haven't read any of it, I do wonder if it makes a difference as to whether that fish oil is fresh or not.

I only raise the question because of a parallel example with olive oil. People hail the benefits of olive oil, however from what I've read, much of the health benefits come from very fresh oil, not necessarily that which has been in bottle for a few months.

[Dreamliner]

It's enough to make you unhealthy just worrying about it.

[Dreamliner]

BTW, what do we mean when we say 'health benefits' anyway ? Do we generally mean the health indicators your physician would look at like blood lipid panel, blood pressure, etc. ?

I'm calling for clarification because mere weight-loss, regardless foods and supplements ingested, will improve these across the board. So, if we lose weight eating pretty much what we want, and our health markers improve across the board, are we really not healthy because we weren't careful about the foods we ate to lose weight ?

[jdrgator]

BTW, what do we mean when we say 'health benefits' anyway ? Do we generally mean the health indicators your physician would look at like blood lipid panel, blood pressure, etc. ?

I'm calling for clarification because mere weight-loss, regardless foods and supplements ingested, will improve these across the board. So, if we lose weight eating pretty much what we want, and our health markers improve across the board, are we really not healthy because we weren't careful about the foods we ate to lose weight ?

My limited understanding is that there are positive health benefits, but exactly what they are, I am not necessarily sure. If it aids weight loss directly than great. If indirectly through improving overall health than great. If it has no weight loss benefits but other health benefits, great as well.

[JaxLizard]

I used to sell a supplemental pharmaceutical grade Omega 3 with a prenatal vitamin for a small pharmaceutial company. It was promoted for the mom and baby, and the benfits for baby were better sleeping habits, cognitive skills, healthier heart, less prone to sickness etc. To combat the fish oil aftertaste we would recommend to take it just before bed and also to consume some food with it. Most agreed that was effective in not having the burpback. The two things we need in our diet is more EPA and DHA. The RDA for DHA is 300mg per day with no UL, meaning you can take as much as you want. I tried glucosamine but that was really tough on the stomach, so I have upped my intake of DHA and EPA and agree that I feel much better after a tough workout or bike ride. They also sell OTC Omega 3 that is enteric coated to prevent the burpback. The enteric coating takes longer for the gelcap to dissolve, therefore it will dissolve in your lower stomach. I highly recommend taking it based on all the studies I had to read up on when selling to the physicians. BTW stay away from anything with ALA, another member of the Omega 3's because we already have enough of that in our diet.

[Dreamliner]

My limited understanding is that there are positive health benefits, but exactly what they are, I am not necessarily sure. If it aids weight loss directly than great. If indirectly through improving overall health than great. If it has no weight loss benefits but other health benefits, great as well.

Well, that's precisely what I'm trying to pin down. I'm not telling people to stop taking fish oil. I'm just wanting to know what health benefits precisely. And are these benefits that weight-loss and exercise do not confer ?

[malscott]

...been taking it for me ole heart for years- Nordic Naturals. I take Glucosamine Condroitin, MSM for joint health-Sam-E is suposed to be good for your joint health too.

[G8trToid]

I take 4 G fish oil per day, also on Dr. orders. Said she has read medical papers that it improves joints, HDL cholesterol levels, and liver function.

I doubt if anyone sells "fresh" oil for human consumption, it would likely contain PCB, mercury and other metals, and would probably putrefy pretty fast.

[jdrgator]

I take 4 G fish oil per day, also on Dr. orders. Said she has read medical papers that it improves joints, HDL cholesterol levels, and liver function.

I doubt if anyone sells "fresh" oil for human consumption, it would likely contain PCB, mercury and other metals, and would probably putrefy pretty fast.

Fair enough. I was just wondering since it made me think of the olive oil study I read.

Can I broaden this topic beyond just fish oil though and ask people what supplements they take, including vitamins?

I used to use and sell Apex supplements (their multi vitamin, C, weight loss pills, back in the mid to late nineties. The company always touted that the scientific behind them, especially that they were made in an FDA lab.

Now, back then even if I was somewhat knowledgeable, I still had trouble convincing others that they really needed to take supplements, perhaps because I had trouble convincing myself, especially since it was widely known that most vitamins passed through peoples systems undigested and if not, were not in the right combination to be effective. Anyway, I am just wondering also what people think about the products that are out there and which ones are actually beneficial and which are junk.

[BossaGator]

I take fish oil, a multi, whey protein, creatine, and glucosamine. Not convinced the glucosamine helps that much but I have a big jug that I might as well use up.

[diehardgator1]

I have just started taking Schiff Mega Red Krill Oil tablets Doc says Krill gets into your system faster and you can get by on 1/4 the dose. Only been taking them 3 days so cant say about them yet

I have been walking 3 1/2 miles in one hour a day also Have 2 large hills to climb Have dropped 6 lbs in one week and my cloths fit a lot loser already. My blood pressure is at 100/70 for 74 years old dont guess that is to bad. We are really watching our diet. Eat salon twice a week no sugar no bread

[JohnC1908]

Fish Oil, Flax, Whey (just started on this again yesterday), and a multi. I think I'm going get some cinnamon tomorrow. I'm a little skeptical how much any of this helps but it can't hurt.

[endabcs]

The government has pulled the plug on the Niacin study. Turns out that it doesn't prevent heart attacks. Now, I'm just waiting for the other show to drop.

Also, my ortho strongly recommended glucosamine for my knee pain. Turns out that there are no large studies attesting to its efficacy.

Niacin overdose is bad for the liver, and can cause the build up of uric acid in spots that you don't want it(Gout.)


http://www.komonews.com/news/offbeat/124818014.html?ref=guiltypleasures

I don't know about moderation, but (B-3) niacin is in everything. It's the main perservative in pasta, flour, and breads. I doubt you need supplements.

[endabcs]

FYI, I notice tangible differences in my joints, particularly after bouts of heavy compound lifts.

what about glucosamine supplements?

I've tried both, and I don't know if it was psychosomatic or actual, but after a while of using one, the other, and both, it seemed to feel better for a while, and then got worse again.

[Dreamliner]

As far as I know, there are no large-scale studies which attest to the efficacy of glucosamine.

And I suspect that could be said about most supplements.

[96Gatorcise]

http://www.leangains.com/2011/05/omega-3-fatty-acids-for-muscle-growth.html

http://www.charlespoliquin.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/624/Finally_Fish_Oil_Is_Anabolic.aspx

[jdrgator]

As far as I know, there are no large-scale studies which attest to the efficacy of glucosamine.

And I suspect that could be said about most supplements.

Rather than start a new thread, allow me to ask you this dreamliner (or anyone else with specific knowledge):

Generally speaking, what does the science of vitamins say about vitamins in pill form (including Apex brand)?

As I've said, I used to sell Apex Fitness supplements when I worked at (and ran) a Gold's Gym, which had a contract with Apex. However, I am just not sure about the efficacy of vitamins, or pretty much most other supplements. I'd really like to see more of a discussion about actual proven or unproven efficacy.

I know many of the old multivitamins often pass through people's system undigested, thus, I am really hesitant to start spending money on products that have no use whatseover except to burn a hole in my pocket.

[Dreamliner]

Rather than start a new thread, allow me to ask you this dreamliner (or anyone else with specific knowledge):

Generally speaking, what does the science of vitamins say about vitamins in pill form (including Apex brand)?

As I've said, I used to sell Apex Fitness supplements when I worked at (and ran) a Gold's Gym, which had a contract with Apex. However, I am just not sure about the efficacy of vitamins, or pretty much most other supplements. I'd really like to see more of a discussion about actual proven or unproven efficacy.

I know many of the old multivitamins often pass through people's system undigested, thus, I am really hesitant to start spending money on products that have no use whatseover except to burn a hole in my pocket.

I must confess that I'm a bit bewildered about this myself. Every time I happen on 'the multivitamin supplement' ... I read some concern about it. Latest is Cardio Centrum. Turns out that autopsies have shown that it is absorbed into artery walls.

As an aside, scant months ago Niacin was being hailed as a wonder vitamin. Recently, government pulled the plug on further research as it has not been shown to prevent heart attacks.

[Dreamliner]

I'll also say this: I could die tomorrow. But my blood work is always normal. I've never exhibited any signs of vitamin deficiency. And I've never taken vitamins as an adult.

[jdrgator]

I'll also say this: I could die tomorrow. But my blood work is always normal. I've never exhibited any signs of vitamin deficiency. And I've never taken vitamins as an adult.

I think you touched upon something that is key. You work out very hard, I presume, eat right, and don't take vitamins but don't have any signs of vitamin deficiency.

To me, it seems that is probably true of most people who train hard. Don't get me wrong, I believe people must eat well to fuel their body (whether it's for fat loss and/or muscle gain), but I am not (and have never really been) sold on the idea that supplementing with vitamins and other supps such as fish oil was necessary if you are eating well (and taking in enough nutrients based upon how hard one is training).

Much (perhaps, all?) of it is hype to sell product.

[Dreamliner]

I think you touched upon something that is key. You work out very hard, I presume, eat right, and don't take vitamins but don't have any signs of vitamin deficiency.

To me, it seems that is probably true of most people who train hard. Don't get me wrong, I believe people must eat well to fuel their body (whether it's for fat loss and/or muscle gain), but I am not (and have never really been) sold on the idea that supplementing with vitamins and other supps such as fish oil was necessary if you are eating well (and taking in enough nutrients based upon how hard one is training).

Much (perhaps, all?) of it is hype to sell product.

And I don't even 'eat right', at least according to the conventional wisdom. On a whim, I recently tracked my eating over 72 hours and learned that the foods I ate ranged from A- to D- according to the government site. I strongly suspect the truth is that it is EASY to get your RDA's on a typical Western diet.

[jdrgator]

And I don't even 'eat right', at least according to the conventional wisdom. On a whim, I recently tracked my eating over 72 hours and learned that the foods I ate ranged from A- to D- according to the government site. I strongly suspect the truth is that it is EASY to get your RDA's on a typical Western diet.

I should say that I don't begrudge people who use supplements or vitamins. I have in the past with some religiosity. However, now that I've gotten back into training, I am of a different, more skeptical mind. Actually, I am an "outsider" in that regard.

I haven't been truly counting my calories since I've started or at least, I haven't been logging them or whether or not I am getting the recommended servings. All I do is make sure I am getting plenty of protein and vegetables, roughage, and good carbs in my diet. I figure if I am eating good foods and feeling good and losing weight, then why supplement just yet, especially if they aren't going to help.

[Dreamliner]

I should say that I don't begrudge people who use supplements or vitamins. I have in the past with some religiosity. However, now that I've gotten back into training, I am of a different, more skeptical mind. Actually, I am an "outsider" in that regard.

I haven't been truly counting my calories since I've started or at least, I haven't been logging them or whether or not I am getting the recommended servings. All I do is make sure I am getting plenty of protein and vegetables, roughage, and good carbs in my diet. I figure if I am eating good foods and feeling good and losing weight, then why supplement just yet, especially if they aren't going to help.

And dare I say it ? It's not difficult in the least to get the necessary protein on a standard Western diet. Of course the supplements industry would have you believe otherwise.

[Goddard]

Hi BossaGator,
I have been using fish oil regularly because of these health benefits.
Fish oil helps in reducing weight,
Fish oil improves vision,
Fish oil ease depression,
Fish oil prevents from heart and cardio disease,
Fish oil reduces cholesterol level,
Fish oil prevents from joint pains.

[malscott]

Krill oil is the best, by far

[jdrgator]

Was just informed by my doc that I should start taking fish oil. Third time in a row that my good cholesterol is low (though my bad cholesterol is also low, but that's a good thing).

Will check out some of the suggestions by people here.

[Dreamliner]

Was just informed by my doc that I should start taking fish oil. Third time in a row that my good cholesterol is low (though my bad cholesterol is also low, but that's a good thing).

Will check out some of the suggestions by people here.

jdr, how low is your HDL ? And does your HDL go down when your LDL goes down ? Just curious.

[jdrgator]

jdr, how low is your HDL ? And does your HDL go down when your LDL goes down ? Just curious.

Here's mine from 08/09/11 when I first had it done at the gym and from October 19 at the DRs office.

HDL (> 40)
08/09/11: 27 mg/dl
10/19/11: 28 mg/dl

LDL (< 100)
08/09/11: 97 mg/dl
10/19/11: 91 mg/dl

Everything else was fine. Glucose was 101/92; Triglycerides 211/118; Tot. Chol 166/142.

Although, I had a protein shake with banana, milk, and PB before my first bloodwork back in August. My HDL went up only 1 pt while my LDL dropped 6 pts. Both positive gains, but I should tell you, that before August, the last time I saw a doctor in July 2008, my HDL was also low, though I can't find that paperwork to see what it was.

[Dreamliner]

Here's mine from 08/09/11 when I first had it done at the gym and from October 19 at the DRs office.

HDL (> 40)
08/09/11: 27 mg/dl
10/19/11: 28 mg/dl

LDL (< 100)
08/09/11: 97 mg/dl
10/19/11: 91 mg/dl

Everything else was fine. Glucose was 101/92; Triglycerides 211/118; Tot. Chol 166/142.

Although, I had a protein shake with banana, milk, and PB before my first bloodwork back in August. My HDL went up only 1 pt while my LDL dropped 6 pts. Both positive gains, but I should tell you, that before August, the last time I saw a doctor in July 2008, my HDL was also low, though I can't find that paperwork to see what it was.

Except for the HDL, all other gains were fantastic. Fish oil may be all you need. Other things that help HDL:

alcohol
albuterol (just become an asthmatic)
higher-intensity cardio like intervals

[Dreamliner]

Roughly ten years ago I was on an Ornish-type low fat diet and performing steady-state cardio. My total cholesterol was 180 but my HDL was 32.

When I started (1) eating more meat (2) replaced steady-state cardio with interval-type cardio and (3) took up drinking ... my total cholesterol went over 200 but my HDL nearly DOUBLED and my triglycerides plummeted. My LDL, though 'high', is of the harmless 'fluffy variety.'

Honestly, I don't worry about cholesterol anymore. But I do think the above changes are interesting.