We assume you are referring to fish-oil supplements, which generally contain omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, so-called because of their position of the unsaturated bonds on the fatty acid molecule (omega-3 refers to the third position from the end of a long or short-chained fatty acid being the point at which the bond does not contained a hydrogen atom, thus unsaturated).
I am sure this was more than you needed to know. Now to your question…
In the last 3 to 4 years, it has become fairly clear that certain fish oils ingested in specific amounts may yield health benefits (see below) for certain groups. But what is now beginning to unfold (because clinical trails using fish oils are now being completed) is the information regarding the subpopulations of people that shouldn’t use them. For example, it appears that chronic ingestion of fish-oil supplements may cause problems for users with certain heart conditions. Many supplement manufacturers jump on the bandwagon early. But because Apex is a research and development company, we always wait until the data regarding a supplement with potential health benefits becomes complete enough to make the proper product and accompanying recommendations, which may include groups of people that a particular supplement may not be appropriate for (contraindicated).
That said, we now have enough data and have released our Fatty Acid supplement along with the proper recommendation and contraindications.
If you prefer not to use a supplement, we recommend getting your fish oils from food sources. Know that it would be very difficult for anyone to consume too much fish oil from traditional (as opposed to ingesting daily supplements where one may easily reach an intake that may not be proper for them).
Current working recommendations: Omega 3-Fatty acids: 1g of eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid (cardioprotective effects); 2-4g/day (lowering cholesterol effects).
Foods: Consume fish, especially fatty cold water fish, 2 times weekly (~6 oz total). Women of childbearing age, nursing, pregnant and young children should choose fish known to have low levels of mercury.
Sources Fish (3.5 oz. cooked)/ AMOUNT (mg) - Herring: 2,000 mg
- Salmon: 1,800-2,100 mg
- Whitefish: 1,600 mg
- Mackerel, jack, canned: 1,200 mg
- Sardines, canned: 1,000-1,400 mg
- Bluefish: 1,000 mg
- Tuna, canned white (albacore): 900 mg
- Trout: 900-1,200 mg
- Halibut: 500 mg
- Tuna, fresh or canned light: 300 mg
People with bleeding disorders, those taking anticoagulants, and those with uncontrolled hypertension should not take fish-oil supplements. Large doses of fish oil may suppress the immune system. Thus, supplements may be risky for those with weakened immune systems.
What’s a "large dose"? One definition is 3 grams or more a day, but no one really knows what the cutoff point is. Large doses can increase glucose levels in people with diabetes. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that fish-oil supplements might increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias in people with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. You'll find a link on our homepage where you can order your Omega-3 supplement from our Nutrition Store today.
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