Measurement of Mercury Levels in Concentrated Over-the-Counter Fish Oil Preparations: Is Fish Oil Healthier Than Fish?

2003 ◽  
Vol 127 (12) ◽  
pp. 1603-1605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy E. Foran ◽  
James G. Flood ◽  
Kent B. Lewandrowski
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Fish Oil ◽  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Mercury Content ◽  
Fish Oils ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Artery Disease

Abstract Context.—Fish consumption has been associated with a decreased risk of coronary artery disease. Recent studies have illustrated that the high mercury content in cold-water fish may negate the cardiovascular benefits of fish meals. Fish oils have similar antiatherogenic properties to fish, and similar studies should be performed to determine the level of mercury in fish oils. Objective.—To determine the concentration of mercury in 5 over-the-counter brands of fish oil. Results.—The levels of mercury in the 5 different brands of fish oil ranged from nondetectable (<6 μg/L) to negligible (10–12 μg/L). The mercury content of fish oil was similar to the basal concentration normally found in human blood. Conclusions.—Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and their consumption is recommended to decrease the risk of coronary artery disease. However, fish such as swordfish and shark are also a source of exposure to the heavy metal toxin, mercury. The fish oil brands examined in this manuscript have negligible amounts of mercury and may provide a safer alternative to fish consumption.

Measurement of Organochlorines in Commercial Over-the-Counter Fish Oil Preparations: Implications for Dietary and Therapeutic Recommendations for Omega-3 Fatty Acids and a Review of the Literature

2005 ◽  
Vol 129 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy Foran Melanson ◽  
Elizabeth Lee Lewandrowski ◽  
James G. Flood ◽  
Kent B. Lewandrowski
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Polychlorinated Biphenyls ◽  
Fish Oil ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Commercial Fish ◽  
Artery Disease

Abstract Context.—The consumption of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids is advocated by the American Heart Association to decrease the risk of coronary artery disease. However, fish contain environmental toxins such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, and organochlorine pesticides, which may negate the beneficial cardiovascular effects of fish meals. Toxin levels vary depending on both the fish source and the specific toxin, and neither farm-raised nor wild fish are toxin free. Fish oil supplements also prevent the progression of coronary artery disease and reduce cardiovascular mortality. However, only sparse data exist on the level of toxins in fish oil. In a previous study we showed that the amount of mercury in 5 over-the-counter brands of fish oil was negligible. Objective.—To determine the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls and other organochlorines in 5 over-the-counter preparations of fish oil. Design.—The contents of 5 commercial fish oil brands were sent for organochlorine analysis. Results.—The levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorines were all below the detectable limit. Conclusions.—Fish oil supplements are more healthful than the consumption of fish high in organochlorines. Fish oils provide the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids without the risk of toxicity. In addition, fish oil supplements have been helpful in a variety of diseases, including bipolar disorder and depression.

scholarly journals Do Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Prevent Cardiovascular Disease? A Review of the Randomized Clinical Trials

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. LPI.S10846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas M. Kimmig ◽  
Dean G. Karalis
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Fish Oil ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Artery Disease

Fish oil is rich in the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Numerous epidemiological studies and several large randomized clinical trials have shown that modest doses of omega-3 PUFAs significantly reduce the risk of unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death as well as death in coronary artery disease and heart failure patients. Based on the scientific evidence, the American Heart Association (AHA) has recommended all individuals eat fish at least twice a week to prevent cardiovascular disease. For individuals with coronary artery disease, the recommended dose of omega-3 PUFAs is 1 g of EPA and DHA daily. To lower triglyceride levels, much higher doses are needed. However, more recent randomized clinical trials have questioned the cardiovascular benefits of fish oil. These studies have contributed to the uncertainty health care providers face when recommending omega-3 PUFA supplementation according to clinical guidelines. The purpose of this review is to examine the randomized clinical trials and scientific evidence between omega-3 PUFAs and cardiovascular outcomes to better understand the current role of omega-3 PUFAs in improving cardiovascular health.

Marine Fish Oils: Role in Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease

1987 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
RACHEL BALLARD-BARBASH ◽  
C. WAYNE CALLAWAY
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Marine Fish ◽  
Fish Oils ◽  
Artery Disease

Effects of two types of fish oil supplements on serum lipids and plasma phospholipid fatty acids in coronary artery disease

1990 ◽  
Vol 66 (17) ◽  
pp. 1171-1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregg J. Reis ◽  
David I. Silverman ◽  
Theresa M. Boucher ◽  
Mary Ellen Sipperly ◽  
Gary L. Horowitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Fish Oil ◽  
Serum Lipids ◽  
Plasma Phospholipid ◽  
Phospholipid Fatty Acids ◽  
Artery Disease

scholarly journals Omega-3 Status and the Relationship between Plasma Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Borgeraas ◽  
Elin Strand ◽  
Eva Ringdal Pedersen ◽  
Jutta Dierkes ◽  
Per Magne Ueland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Suspected Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Plasma Adma ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Rat Study

Background. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. A previous rat study revealed an ADMA lowering effect following treatment with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). We sought to examine if an association between plasma ADMA and risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was modified by serum n-3 PUFA status.Methods. The cohort included 1364 patients who underwent coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease in 2000-2001. Fatal and nonfatal AMI events were registered until December 31, 2006. Risk associations with AMI were estimated across ADMA quartiles (linear trend) and the upper decile.Results. No association between concentration of any n-3 PUFA and ADMA was observed. Only ADMA levels in upper decile were significantly associated with AMI with a multivariate adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval) versus the rest of the population of 2.11 (1.34, 3.32). The association was strengthened among patients with below median levels ofα-linolenic acid (ALA) (HR 3.12 (1.64, 5.93)), but was only influenced by longer chain n-3 PUFA after additional adjustments for HbA1c, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and hypercholesterolemia.Conclusions. The association of ADMA with risk of AMI is influenced by serum n-3 PUFA and particularly ALA.

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