Fish Oil

Fish oil is usually highly reccomended as a supplement for Omega 3. Its superior to Flax seed oil because Flax seed oil contains a different form of omega-3 fatty acids than fish oil does. It contains ALA (alpha linoleic acid), which has to be converted in the body to EPA (eicosapentanenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)in order to be utilized. At best, only around 15-20% of ALA is converted to EPA and DHA, which means you would have to use 5 to 6 times as much flax seed oil to get an equivalent amount of omega-3 fatty acids as is found in fish oil.

Selecting the right product is also important. I use Spectrum Fish Oil for the following reasons. Firstly its from wild caught fish-not from farmed fish which have lower amounts of omega 3. Secondly its from small fish-which have a much lower incidence of contamination by Mercury. Thirdly its in capsule form which is preferable to being poured from a bottle or even from a pump as Omega 3 is highly perishable on contact with the atmosphere. Each capsule contains 1000mg which is the daily dosage per 20lb weight.

I don't supplement with this every day, maybe two or three times a week as I prefer to provide Omega 3 from other dietary sources like canned fish and Omega 3 eggs. Another reason I do this is because there have been studies indicating Vitamin E depletion when supplementing with high doses of Fish Oil.