Sun Feb 21, 2010 2:56 pm   Reply with quote      

I recently heard that if one discontinues taking Omega-3 supplements the resulting effect is a huge rise in cholesterol levels. OTOH if one takes Flaxseed this effect is not observed. Any truth to this?

Thu Mar 04, 2010 2:55 pm   Reply with quote      

I am going to assume that when you mention omega 3 supplements you mean fish oils (EPA and DHA). I make this distinction because flaxseed (ALA) is also considered an omega 3 supplement. In the nutritional field there is an ongoing discussion about whether fish oil or flaxseed oil has the best benefits. I will let you read the documents attached and make up your own mind.

To answer your question – I have not heard of that happening and I believe one cannot make such a blanket statement. As a nutritionist when I recommend fish oil supplements for cholesterol balance I also talk about eating a natural, whole foods diet and exercise. If one maintains a healthy lifestyle then stops using the fish oil it may not make a difference.

Flaxseed (ALA) is converted to EPA and DHA in the body. The conversion of ALA to EPA may not occur efficiently in all people depending on certain conditions. High levels of trans fatty acids and cholesterol will slow the conversion of ALA to EPA. Fish oils exert a greater effect in balancing cholesterol levels than flaxseed. Flaxseed oil does have its own benefits though.

Reading the attached documents will give you a better understanding of how EFA’s (essential fatty acids) function in the body.

Download Essential Fatty Acids.JA.0308.pdf
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Download Flaxseed Oil.SB.0408.pdf
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Download Fish Oils.JA.2005.pdf
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Wed Jul 28, 2010 4:21 am   Reply with quote      

I've read several studies about the conversion rate of ALA to EPA & DHA. The most liberal study shows a conversion rate of 15%, while some studies show as low as 0.2%! This is probably why Canada is going to prohibit companies from marketing their products as containing omega-3s if they only contain ALA...

Even if a 15% conversion rate is assumed, you'd have to take 6 times the same amount of fish oil to get the same effect. However, I also read that ALA spills over into Arachidonic Acid, which as you probably know, leads to greater inflammation...